Anthony Joshua seems to have run out of sparring partners! The former unified heavyweight champion was recently spotted at the Finchley Boxing Club in Barnet, London, sparring with kids from the gym. While it was more likely a move to motivate kids to pursue their dreams in the sport, the sparring session ended with the 34-year-old suffering a cut under his left eye. 

Interestingly, the gym was where an 18-year-old Anthony Joshua began his pugilistic journey in 2007 when his cousin suggested he should take it up. Now, it appears the Watford native has gone back to his roots ahead of his September 21st clash against fellow Englishman Daniel Dubois. Regardless, seeing Joshua spending some quality time with the youth recently, fans erupted in a frenzy.

Anthony Joshua Takes a Cut and a Laugh with Young Sparring Partners

Earlier today, Happy Punch posted the clip on X with the caption, “Anthony Joshua got a cut while sparring some youth boxers at his gym.” In the video, Joshua is seen sparring with three young fighters, who were landing powerful shots on the former world champion despite their relatively smaller stature. During a break in the session, the person filming informed AJ that he had sustained a cut on his face. 

Joshua then playfully asked the kids, “Which one of you cut me?” Though the sight of the 6’6” heavyweight in the heat of the moment was initially intimidating, Joshua quickly lightened the mood with his joking demeanor. While it made for a heartwarming moment for the 34-year-old, fans quickly joined in on the fun.

Fans sarcastically speculate malicious intent

Anthony Joshua, the future Hall of Famer, is nothing short of a boxing legend in the country. So, seeing the heavyweight impart some boxing wisdom to the youth, fans were excited, to say the least. One user joked about what happened after the clip, saying AJ might have unleashed his dangerous right after the clip ended. Notably, Joshua had previously used his media day workout to bring in kids from his local gym, showing his commitment to inspiring the younger generation.

Another user took a shot at Joshua, claiming one of the kids nearly dropped the heavyweight boxer. And you know what? The kids were indeed going pretty hard during the sparring session. 

Someone else speculated that one of the kids who threw an overhand right had malicious intent to knock out Anthony Joshua. However, it’s more like they were told to do their best against AJ, who competes in the upper echelon of boxing. 

The next user jokingly claimed AJ never really stood a chance against the ferocity of the young boxers from his gym. Interestingly, the gym has produced several talented boxers who competed in the highest level of boxing. The most notable name is Spencer ‘The Omen’ Oliver, who competed in the Commonwealth Games and won silver for his country. 

One user jokingly presented a hypothetical – what if Joshua went in guns blazing after the video ended? Well, someone went in guns blazing, alright. But it wasn’t Joshua by the looks of things. 

It seems that ahead of his all-English showdown against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September, Anthony Joshua is spending some quality time with future champions. Hopefully, his cut isn’t serious enough to affect the upcoming fight. What did you think about the sparring session?