Anthony Joshua Reveals He Ended Up Fighting 6 Guys While Buying a Chicken When He Was Younger

Last month, on October 5, not only did Anthony Joshua complete a decade in boxing, but ten days later, he turned 34. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion sits at a crossroads. It is stated that a man’s true character is revealed in times of great difficulty. The last four years must have been the most trying for Joshua. After three setbacks, he was at rock bottom, where only unwavering resolve could guarantee a decent return.

Per what he has done so far in the year, it’s apparent that ‘AJ’ has been improving. He has gradually reached the stage where he’s waiting for an opportune time to strike back. He is well aware that, given his advanced age, the next attack at the world titles could very well be his last. The former champion sat down with award-winning journalist and commentator Louis Theroux to talk about his life both as a champion boxer and as an individual. When it came to fights, he shared how he once ended up fighting nearly half a soccer team while on an errand. BBC Two aired the interview yesterday.

From poultry to punches: the humble beginnings of Anthony Joshua

So taking the maker of ‘When Louis Met…‘ documentary films through his younger days, Joshua shared a story of how his knuckles got wounded once. ‘AJ’ said, “I used to get in fights a lot when I was younger.” Then he revealed that the skin on knuckles doesn’t heal that well, and showing one, he continued, “I went to get chicken one evening, and I ended up fighting six guys on my own.”

But according to the boxer, the experience taught him an important lesson. It made him think and realign his fighting style to be a more deliberate one. He understood that in the long run, boxing could become taxing, taking a toll on his body.

Joshua later clarified that not getting knocked out was one of his top priorities in a fight. It was something he preferred doling out to opponents. He reasoned that he valued his health and well-being way above his love for sports. He knew that one can’t expect reciprocal love from the sport.

‘AJ’ took Theroux to places, such as his Finchley gym and later the place where he grew up, Meriden Estate in Watford. The two-time unified champion narrated how he still lived with his mother and how people from different walks of life started knowing about him as he started climbing heights in boxing.

A resurgent and renewed ‘AJ’

On April 1, he fought and defeated the American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin. The outcome was not what many expected. But it was an indication that Anthony Joshua was setting himself up for a comeback. Four months later, he entered the ring. Taking his game to the next level, he knocked out Finland’s Robert Helenius in the seventh round. Talks are currently underway to get the much-anticipated fight with Deontay Wilder going.

Read More: Fans React to Anthony Joshua’s Deadlifting Amid Tyson Fury’s ‘Bodybuilder Who Can’t Box’ Taunt

In parallel, his promoter sounded the bugle call to the new sensation, Francis Ngannou, for a Joshua fight. Amidst these developments, if reports could be believed, there are chances ‘AJ’ might enter the ring a third time this year.

Do you think Anthony Joshua is ready for Deontay Wilder, or should he fight another journeyman before taking the big leap? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Everything We Know About Deontay Wilder Vs Anthony Joshua