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

When a heavyweight boxing star posts a simple workout photo on Instagram, you would expect praise, encouragement, and perhaps a smattering of gym advice from fans. But when that star is Anthony Joshua, and the photo in question features him deadlifting, things take an unexpected turn. The champion boxer, known for his rigorous training regimen and sculpted physique, found himself at the epicenter of a hot debate.

The dividing line? His intense focus on physical fitness, a subject of admiration for many, but a point of contention for some, including his long-time rival, Tyson Fury. ‘The Gypsy King’ previously famously dismissed Joshua as a “blown up bodybuilder who can’t box.” Now, this declaration seems to be casting its shadow over Joshua’s public image, adding a new dimension to the everyday workout routine. As the reactions rolled in, it became clear – this was not just about a weightlifting photo; it was about the very philosophy of training for boxing, and Joshua found himself in the eye of the storm.

Fan reactions: A house divided

British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, recently shared a compelling image of him performing deadlifts on his Instagram account. The post, captioned, “Ain’t nun 2 it, but to do it,” spurred a wide range of reactions among boxing enthusiasts globally. These reactions were heightened by Tyson Fury’s earlier taunt, who described Joshua as a “blown up bodybuilder who can’t box.”

Several fans appeared critical of Joshua’s training approach, aligning with Fury’s sentiment. One user echoed a similar tone, suggesting strength alone doesn’t dictate skill in boxing, writing, “Weights ain’t gonna help u. Like Lomachenko said ‘U Strong but No Skill’.”

Another user humorously noted, “Weights don’t punch back champ 😂,” implying a greater emphasis should be placed on practical boxing training. A user named John expressed a similar perspective, advising Joshua to “Try some sparring, will help you more in your sport,” reinforcing the belief in boxing training over weightlifting.

Contrastingly, some fans rallied behind Joshua. Arif defended the champion, highlighting his potential and reminding him that he has the support of fans. He wrote, “You are the future of this sport… One day you will definitely be champion again. People’s prayers are with you, never forget that.” Meanwhile, a user named Memnon stated, “I love the hating comments. Olympic gold medallist, 2xHeavy weight champ of the world and entrepreneur. Gives back to the gym where it all started and his community… Regardless of what we think he has secured a legacy. What will you leave behind?”

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In the aftermath of Fury’s taunt and the ongoing debate about Joshua’s training approach, it’s clear that this Instagram post and its associated commentary have ignited a spark in the boxing community. Will Joshua’s steadfast commitment to his training and his resilience in the face of criticism pay off? Or will Fury’s taunts ring true when they finally meet in the ring? Only time will tell.