Page 94 - Powerlist 2020

Profiles

Anthony Joshua
Heavyweight Boxer

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s meteoric rise to
the top of the sport came to a shuddering halt this year with
a shock loss to the little-known Andy Ruiz Jr.
In the bout at Madison Square Garden, Joshua lost by TKO
in the seventh round and lost all of his four heavyweight
belts to Ruiz. It was the British star’s first defeat since he
turned professional.
There is much talk about a rematch, although boxing
legend Mike Tyson has warned Joshua about rushing into
the fight.
Since turning pro in 2013, Joshua had a rapid rise to
the top and is ranked among the world’s top 30 highest-
paid sports personalities. His 6ft 6in frame, good looks
and languid, laidback approach to life are a marketing
executive’s dream. He endorses several brands and has his
own range of sports and leisure clothing and equipment.
Despite the loss to Ruiz, AJ’s mass appeal is transforming
boxing audiences. Women, children and families attend,
alongside the old-school, hardcore boxing fan.
Joshua won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, but
approached the idea of turning professional slowly and
initially turned down £50,000 to make the switch.
When he did, he took the world by storm by beating Gary
Cornish in the first round at the 02 Arena to become the
Commonwealth heavyweight champion.
He became British champion after knocking out Dillian
Whyte in the seventh round and then came the big one
against Wladimir Klitschko where, after suffering an early
knockdown, AJ got to his feet and ended the argument in
Sport
the 11th with one of the hardest uppercuts the sport has ever
seen to add the WBA belt to his portfolio.

94 Powerlist 2020