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 and two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, holding the titles from 2017-2019 and 2019-2021. He also held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016. Joshua is 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 offenses. Upon release, he was made to wear an electronic tag.

March 2011: Arrest for possession of cannabis

In March 2011, Joshua was arrested for speeding and found with eight ounces of herbal cannabis in his Mercedes-Benz in Colindale, North London. He was charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug and sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours' unpaid work.

November 2017: Racist comments and social media posts

In November 2017, Anthony Joshua made racist comments and social media posts, including calling Eddie Chambers a "disgrace to the superior black race" on Instagram. Despite his promoter's denial, the message was confirmed to have come from Joshua's verified account.

2017: Pulev Injury

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

January 2019: Whyte Turns Down Lowball Offer

In January 2019, Dillian Whyte revealed he had turned down a 'severe lowball' offer from Joshua for a rematch, claiming it was lower than what he received against Chisora. Hearn stated Joshua may fight in the US instead. Whyte claimed Joshua didn't want to fight him.

April 2019: Miller Tests Positive for Banned Substance

In April 2019, both camps confirmed that Jarrell Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 from a VADA-conducted urine test on March 20th. Further tests on March 31st proved positive for EPO, HGH and GW1516 again. Many boxers put their names forward to fight Joshua instead.

April 2019: Joshua's Wembley Fight Unlikely

In April 2019, it became highly unlikely that Joshua would fight at Wembley Stadium on April 13th and Whyte claimed the Joshua fight was 'dead'.

June 2019: Joshua Loses to Ruiz

In June 2019, Anthony Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Joshua lost by TKO in the seventh round, losing all four of his heavyweight titles. This upset is considered one of the biggest in boxing history.

April 2020: Joshua-Pulev Fight Postponed

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

June 2020: Accusations of racism for Black Lives Matter speech

In June 2020, Joshua was accused of racism by some social media users following his speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in Watford. He was interpreted as calling to boycott white businesses, he denied the claims and said he was reading the speech on behalf of a friend.

May 2021: Fury Announces Fight Against Joshua, Wilder Arbitration

In May 2021, Tyson Fury announced the fight between him and Joshua would take place on August 14, but an arbitration judge ruled Deontay Wilder was entitled to a third fight with Fury, putting the Joshua fight in jeopardy.

August 2022: Controversy around world-title challenge in Saudi Arabia

In August 2022, Joshua faced questions regarding the controversy of his world-title challenge taking place in Saudi Arabia, including concerns about the human rights situation in the Kingdom. Calls were made for him to speak out against the oppression.