By Jackson Cole
Anthony Joshua has made a substantial donation to help fund amateur boxing in Britain – the world heavyweight champion doing this in the hope of not losing the next generation of boxers.
Clubs have been forced to close during the pandemic and with no government support, Joshua has stepped in by giving funds to the amateur boxing federations of England, Wales and Scotland.
Joshua started at Finchley Boxing Club in north London as a youngster. And the rest is history…
Joshua started at Finchley Boxing Club in north London as a youngster. And the rest is history…
The amount is understood to be in the six figures, while one of Joshua’s sponsors, Under Armour, will match his financial offer in products.
“Without grassroots boxing, there is no Anthony Joshua,” the British fighter said.
“The doors to these gyms are always open to any kid from any background.
“If I was 18 again and I was in a position where the gym was closed and it might not open, I would be devastated.
“It’s not just financial help. I will often try and motivate these kids by being amongst them, bringing my belts down and training with them.
“I believe in the next 10-15 years, you are going to see the leaders of tomorrow, but I hope it’s not 25-30 years because we have lost this next generation.”
Joshua only needs the WBC belt to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Joshua only needs the WBC belt to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Funding will be provided to the amateur clubs most in need.
Chairman of England Boxing Gethin Jenkins said: “We are delighted and we thank Anthony for this much-needed financial support and for drawing attention to the role and support the clubs offer in their local communities and with it the need for greater government support to grassroots boxing clubs.”
Joshua, 31, has been on an incredible journey to the top since making his name with a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
The two-time heavyweight champ wants Tyson Fury next
The two-time heavyweight champ wants Tyson Fury next
He first became a world champion in 2016 as he made short work of Charles Martin to win the IBF title.
‘AJ’ lost his IBF, WBA and WBO titles with a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 before winning them back in their rematch six months later.
Joshua’s most recent bout saw him beat Kubrat Pulev earlier this month via a ninth-round stoppage.
The fight fans unanimously agree they want to see is Joshua against fellow Brit Tyson Fury, who is the WBC heavyweight champ.
Joshua and Fury agreed a two-fight deal in 2021 with the former’s promoter Eddie Hearn claiming the first one has been ‘verbally agreed’ for May/June time.
Joshua’s win over Pulev is very much viewed as a warm-up for the fight with Fury all boxing fans want to see
“I’m certain [it is going to happen], I’m keen and I’m ready,” added Joshua.
“It’s about me challenging myself and getting my hands on that WBC belt because I want to be an undisputed heavyweight champion. That is legacy.”