Boxing fans were treated to a heartwarming moment when former British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell tweeted a video of himself and Anthony Joshua. But this was no ordinary exchange between two boxers. In the clip, Joshua can be seen leaving the stage during the weigh-in for the Franklin fight to personally check on Blackwell’s well-being after he suffered a brain injury in 2016.
The tweet quickly went viral with fans applauding Joshua’s class act and expressing their admiration for both fighters. Nevertheless, what could have led to this endearing interaction between two combatants in the world of boxing?
Fan reactions pour in for Joshua’s gesture toward Nick Blackwell
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The tweet from former British boxer Nick Blackwell about Anthony Joshua’s visit to see him after a brain injury has been met with high praise from fans. In the tweet, Blackwell shared a video of Joshua coming down from the stage to meet him and see how he was doing. Blackwell expressed his gratitude towards Joshua for taking the time to visit him, stating that it meant a lot to him.
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We were live on @MatchroomBoxing Yesterday on TV at Weigh in @anthonyjoshua came down off stage to see me and see how I am after Brain injury, took time for me, really meant alot🙏 👊 follow here & Instagram Nickbangblackwell 😊 @anthonyjoshua @EddieHearn @dazn #JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/8ttklwqAMH
— NICK BLACKWELL (@nickblackwell02) April 1, 2023
Following the tweet, fans of both Blackwell and Joshua took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the world champion boxer’s class act.
One fan, @JohnjamesPower4, commended Joshua for caring about ex-boxers. He wrote, “Respect AJ…You care about our ex-boxers.”
Respect Aj You care about our ex boxers
— John james Power (@JohnjamesPower4) April 1, 2023
Another fan, @RemixTheBeats1, expressed his happiness over Blackwell’s recovery, saying, “Glad you’re doing well nick… AJ has always been a class act and will give his time for you. Two true champions.”
Glad you’re doing well nick. Was rooting for you but you’re looking really well mate. AJ has always been a class act and will give his time for you. Two true champions ❤️
— Remix The Beats (@RemixTheBeats1) April 1, 2023
@willhatchard also shared his thoughts, saying, “Looking good Nick…It’s good to see you in the position to attend and move around. Keep it up champ.”
Looking good Nick. It’s good to see you in the position to attend and move around. Keep it up champ.
— Will Hatchard* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@willhatchard) April 1, 2023
Meanwhile, @JDL7844 praised Joshua, writing, “AJ is World Champion in his actions as well as his ability in the ring. You deserve that respect too!”
AJ is World Champion in his actions as well as his ability in the ring. You deserve that respect too! 🙏🏻
— JDL (@JDL7844) April 1, 2023
@Johnsmith2384 summed up the fans’ sentiments, simply writing, “Good stuff #Respect.”
Good stuff #Respect
— John smith (@Johnsmith2384) April 1, 2023
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In conclusion, Anthony Joshua’s act of kindness towards Nick Blackwell has not gone unnoticed by fans of the sport.
The fans showed overwhelming support and admiration for Joshua’s class act. It is heartwarming to see athletes using their platform to spread positivity and care for their fellow competitors. This gesture shows that Anthony Joshua is not only a champion in the ring but also a champion of humanity.
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It is moments like these that remind us that sports can bring out the best in people, and we should always strive to emulate the values of sportsmanship and respect.