Challenges Faced by Anthony Joshua: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Anthony Joshua's life and career.

Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer who has twice held the unified world heavyweight championship between 2016 and 2021. He also held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of boxing.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2009: Remand in Reading Prison

In 2009, Anthony Joshua was put on remand in Reading Prison for fighting and other incidents. After his release, he was required to wear an electronic tag on his ankle.

2009: Whyte defeated Joshua

In 2009, Dillian Whyte defeated Anthony Joshua within the amateur rankings.

March 2011: Arrest for Possession of Cannabis

In March 2011, Anthony Joshua was pulled over for speeding in Colindale, North London, and found with eight ounces (226.8 grams) of herbal cannabis in his Mercedes-Benz. He was charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug, suspended from the GB Boxing squad, and sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours' unpaid work after pleading guilty.

January 2015: Joshua's fight against Kevin Johnson was cancelled

In January 2015, Anthony Joshua's bout against Kevin Johnson at The O2 Arena in London was cancelled due to a back injury Joshua sustained.

October 2017: Molina's ban backdated

In October 2017, UK Anti-Doping backdated Eric Molina's two-year ban from fighting in the UK to October 28, 2017, following a positive test for dexamethasone after his loss to Joshua.

November 2017: Racist comments on Social Media

In November 2017, Anthony Joshua made a series of racist comments and social media posts regarding race. He referred to heavyweight boxer Eddie Chambers as a "disgrace to the superior black race" on Instagram, leading to press controversy.

2017: Pulev Injury

In 2017, Anthony Joshua had been initially announced to fight Kubrat Pulev, but a late injury to Pulev saw Carlos Takam replace him for the fight.

May 2018: Molina receives a two-year ban

On May 22, 2018, UK Anti-Doping issued Eric Molina with a two-year ban from fighting in the UK, backdated from October 28, 2017, until October 28, 2019. Molina tested positive for dexamethasone after his loss to Joshua.

January 2019: Whyte Turns Down Lowball Offer

In January 2019, Dillian Whyte revealed he rejected a 'severe lowball' offer from Anthony Joshua for a rematch, claiming it was less than he received against Chisora in December 2018. Hearn stated Joshua may fight in the US instead.

April 2019: Jarrell Miller Tests Positive for Banned Substance

In April 2019, Jarrell Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 from a VADA-conducted urine test on March 20. Further tests on March 31 revealed positive results for EPO, HGH, and GW1516. Many boxers offered to fight Joshua instead.

June 2019: Ruiz Defeats Joshua by TKO

In June 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. defeated Anthony Joshua by TKO in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden, claiming Joshua's four heavyweight titles. Joshua dropped Ruiz in the third round, but Ruiz scored his own knockdowns and ultimately won the fight. The fight took place on June 1 and was exclusively broadcast on DAZN in the US.

October 2019: End of Molina's ban

In October 2019, Eric Molina's two-year ban from fighting in the UK, which was issued by UK Anti-Doping, ended on October 28, 2019. The ban was due to a positive test for dexamethasone after his loss to Joshua.

March 2020: Joshua vs. Pulev Announced

In March 2020, it was announced that Anthony Joshua would defend his heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20. However, the fight was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Joshua-Pulev Fight Postponed

In April 2020, the fight between Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev, originally scheduled for June 20, was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2020: Accusations of Racism at Black Lives Matter Protest

In June 2020, Anthony Joshua was accused of racism by some social media users due to his speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in Watford. He encouraged people to invest in black-owned businesses, which some interpreted as a call to boycott white businesses. Joshua clarified that he was reading a speech on behalf of a friend and denied being racist.

May 2021: Fury-Joshua Fight in Jeopardy

In May 2021, Tyson Fury announced that his fight with Anthony Joshua would take place on August 14, 2021, in Saudi Arabia. However, an arbitration ruling stated that Fury had to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time, jeopardizing the Joshua fight. These events unfolded throughout the month.

August 2021: Fury-Joshua Fight Set for August

In August 2021, the Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight was originally planned to take place on August 14 in Saudi Arabia, however, the fight never happened due to an arbitration judge ruling that Fury was entitled to a third fight with Deontay Wilder.

2021: Joshua held unified world heavyweight championship until 2021

Anthony Joshua held the unified world heavyweight championship until 2021.

August 2022: Controversy Surrounding World-Title Challenge in Saudi Arabia

In August 2022, Anthony Joshua faced questions regarding the controversy of holding his world-title challenge in Saudi Arabia. He was questioned about the human rights situation in the Kingdom, particularly after the sentencing of a woman for her Twitter activity. Joshua responded that people were focusing on the positive aspects and disregarding the negative.

August 2023: Joshua Fights Robert Helenius After Whyte Cancellation

In August 2023, after Dillian Whyte's positive drug test cancelled their rematch, Robert Helenius was announced as Anthony Joshua's replacement opponent. The bout took place on August 12, 2023, where Joshua won by knockout in round 7.