Anthony Joshua is focused and has his eyes on target. No, he is not facing an opponent or indulging in a sparring session. But he is standing before a screen, throwing punches, trying to reach a new high score and beat, well, some kids.

Joshua, 34, was testing the latest gift he received from BOXBOLLEN, and strapped the brand’s headgear and tried to punch the small ball, which, whenever you hit it, would propel to you. Hitting it successfully on a rebound would fetch you one point, and the game depends on how many points you can stack consecutively without fail. The British boxer turned to his Instagram handle and shared the clip of him having fun and competing with kids from his Clean Herts Community.

Joshua, at 28-4, scored 16 points and soon celebrated it with a ‘SIU’ celebration, popularized by Cristiano Ronaldo. What’s more? He also imitated IShowSpeed’s barking antics, which have long been associated with the YouTuber now. The former world champion hilariously wrote in the caption, “@boxbollen has us battling it out! Family pride is at stake 🤣🤣.” In addition, Joshua explained how BOXBOLLEN was a focus training activity. He admitted he had fun and would get his family members the same as a Christmas gift.

Interestingly, the Watford native and Ronaldo, 39, go a long way back, and with both now tied professionally to Saudi Arabia, the soccer star to Al Nassar, and the boxer to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh‘s Riyadh Season, they keep on crossing paths. It has fostered a friendship between the two, even resulting in the Portuguese soccer star helping Joshua out with advice.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s advice changed Anthony Joshua’s career

The two-time world champion rocked Francis Ngannou in their fight in March this year and witnessing it up close was Ronaldo. The two friends shared a moment after the event as they engaged in a conversation.

When asked about the details, Joshua explained how he altered his training regime and got seven hours of sleep based on the former Real Madrid star’s advice. ‘AJ’ said, “The regimen he keeps in order to keep himself healthy. And to be fair, look at that, [I got] seven hours’ sleep after following some of his recommendations!”

Notably, Ronaldo has carved out a reputation for his strict adherence to his diet and training schedule, which is the reason he has enjoyed such a long stay at the top of the soccer world’s hierarchy. Joshua also adapted his advice and put it to good use.

With his one fight left on the contract with HE Turki Alalshikh, you can expect him to fight on Saudi soil next. A win followed by a ‘SIU’ celebration would be an amusing thing to witness, wouldn’t it? It remains to be seen when that happens.

What do you make of Anthony Joshua celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration? Let us know in the comments below.