Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxing icon known for his knockout power and Olympic gold medal, has always projected the image of a dedicated athlete and devoted father. However, the two-time unified heavyweight world champion recently made headlines for a surprising revelation: despite his own success in the sport, Joshua has firmly expressed that he does not want his son, Joseph “JJ” Joshua, to become a boxer. The shocking reason behind this stance has caught fans and sports enthusiasts off guard.
“Boxing is Not Glamorous Behind the Scenes”
In a candid interview with a UK sports outlet, Joshua opened up about the darker side of professional boxing — a world far removed from the bright lights and championship belts that fans see. “People see the fame, the money, the glory,” he said. “But they don’t see the sacrifices, the injuries, the emotional toll. Boxing is brutal. It takes more than it gives.”
The 34-year-old fighter emphasized the mental and physical wear that comes with a life in the ring. From grueling training camps to the pressure of defending titles under the scrutiny of the world, Joshua admitted that the sport has left invisible scars. “There were nights I couldn’t sleep from pain, days I questioned everything. That’s not the life I want for my son.”
A Father First, Fighter Second
For Joshua, fatherhood has reshaped his priorities. “Being a dad changed everything for me. It gave me perspective,” he shared. While he credits boxing for giving him opportunities and discipline, he is determined to shield his son from the hardships that defined much of his own journey. “I fight so he doesn’t have to,” Joshua stated firmly.
The British boxer revealed that he wants JJ to explore life with freedom, creativity, and safety — not inside a ring surrounded by risk and pressure. “If he wants to be a doctor, an artist, an entrepreneur — I’ll support him all the way. Just not boxing.”
The Shocking Secret: A Family Past Hidden in the Shadows
While many assumed Joshua’s opposition was simply protective parenting, he shocked fans when he shared a lesser-known detail: his cousin suffered a career-ending brain injury in an amateur boxing match. The traumatic event, kept private for years, had a profound impact on Joshua’s outlook.
“I watched someone I love struggle to walk, speak, live — all because of one fight gone wrong,” Joshua revealed. “It haunts me. Every time I step into the ring, that memory follows me. That’s the side of boxing people don’t see.”
This revelation added a powerful layer to his stance. Joshua’s concern is no longer theoretical — it’s deeply personal. The fear of history repeating itself is what fuels his firm “no” when it comes to JJ following in his footsteps.
Fans React: Respect or Disappointment?
Reactions to Joshua’s comments have been mixed. Some fans praised his honesty and fatherly love, calling him a “true champion not just in the ring, but in life.” Others, however, expressed disappointment, arguing that greatness often runs in the blood and that JJ should at least be given the choice.
Still, Joshua remains unapologetic. “I’ll support his dreams, not mine. I’ve lived my life in the ring. He doesn’t need to.”
A Legacy Beyond Boxing
Anthony Joshua’s decision marks a shift in what it means to build a legacy. For him, it’s not about creating a dynasty of fighters but raising a son who is free from the burdens of fame and pain. While fans may never see “JJ” Joshua in the squared circle, Anthony’s impact as both a fighter and father will undoubtedly endure.
As the boxing world absorbs the emotional weight of Joshua’s revelation, one thing is clear: his most important fight isn’t in the ring anymore — it’s the one to protect his son’s future.
