Even though it is premature to evaluate Anthony Joshua’s career as a whole, it is worth taking a moment this week, exactly eight years after he claimed his initial significant heavyweight title, to assess his advancement.
Despite all of Joshua’s achievements and his admirable conduct as both a boxer and a celebrity, there is still a considerable number of people who choose to criticize him rather than appreciate him. It raises questions about the true intentions behind their negativity.
Remembering the excitement that surrounded Joshua during the end of his amateur career, his Olympic gold in London, and his early years as a professional is effortless. However, it would be unjust to label the Klitschko brothers’ dominance in the heavyweight division as a low point in boxing history. They consistently outperformed their opponents with ease and efficiency, making it challenging to create sensational matches that captured global attention.
However, Joshua’s flamboyant style in the world of professional boxing quickly reignited the excitement among fans. This was especially evident as Deontay Wilder rapidly gained prominence and Tyson Fury solidified his position at the global level. It is perhaps this aspect that causes the only reasonable disappointment with Joshua’s progress. He has not yet faced off with the two individuals who were considered his main rivals for a significant period of time, whether they were ranked slightly higher or lower than him.
It is uncertain whether either of these matchups will happen in the future. However, it is logical to assume that as the three individuals approach middle age, the opportunity to arrange these fights at the appropriate time was overlooked. Blaming one party for these missed opportunities would be unwise. Hopefully, with the declining interest in sanctioning body titles and the apparent improvement in relations between rival promoters, valuable lessons have been learned.
Joshua’s CV stands out as the most impressive among all active heavyweight fighters, even when taking into account his losses. His victory over Charles Martin in April 2016 to secure the IBF title was expected, but no one has since delivered such a thorough beating to the American. Although Wladimir Klitschko may have been past his prime, in retrospect, Joshua passing his first true test against a legendary heavyweight under those circumstances deserves nothing but praise. Carlos Takam, who had relied on his durability, was defeated next, followed by victories over top-class fighters Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin. It is astonishing to consider that Joshua’s run of four stadium fights, two at Wembley and two in Cardiff, attracted more paying fans than the national football teams of England and Wales during that 18-month period.
The defeat to Andy Ruiz Jnr in New York would have been catastrophic for a fighter with less mental strength. To provide more context, despite earning much less than Joshua, the Mexican American has practically vanished from the spotlight after Joshua’s victory in the rematch. I find it truly incomprehensible that Joshua not only maintains his dedication to his sport to stay on top but also becomes immensely wealthy in the process.
Joshua’s career could have been derailed by two losses to Oleksandr Usyk. It’s important to remember that it was not solely Joshua’s decision to accept the challenge initially, but also his choice to have an immediate rematch. However, despite the public breakdown that followed the second defeat, Joshua has managed to bounce back and achieve four consecutive victories, showing his determination for improvement. Presently, he is thriving once again.
Moreover, Joshua has consistently displayed impeccable behavior during his time in the spotlight. While some individuals have failed drug tests, flaunted their wealth, and acted immaturely, Joshua remains one of the most influential figures in boxing. He actively promotes the sport’s advantages to young people and supports boxing at its grassroots level, solidifying his position as a great ambassador. Additionally, numerous stories circulate about his generosity towards those in need, although he prefers to keep them private. Regardless of whether this may seem overly complimentary, I personally have no interest in dismissing credit where it is rightfully deserved.
It may no longer matter if he will reclaim any championship belts, secure his position at the top, or leave a lasting impact on the all-time rankings. What truly matters is the remarkable journey he has undertaken and how he has consistently carried himself with integrity, from his humble beginnings to where he stands today. This alone should be considered a significant achievement.
