How many Belts has Anthony Joshua had?
How many Belts has Anthony Joshua had?
By Arslan Saleem December 23, 2023 02:36
Anthony Joshua, the British professional boxer, has had an illustrious career in the boxing world. Known for his exceptional skills and powerful punches, Joshua has achieved remarkable success in the ring. One of the key indicators of his success is the number of belts he has won throughout his career. In this article, we will explore the various belts Anthony Joshua has held, highlighting his accomplishments and contributions to the sport of boxing.
The Journey Begins: Early Career
Anthony Joshua's journey in professional boxing began in 2013 after winning a gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. His early career was marked by several victories, and it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself in the boxing world.
The First Belt: WBC International Heavyweight Title
In October 2014, Anthony Joshua claimed his first professional title, the WBC International Heavyweight Title. He secured this belt by defeating Denis Bakhtov in the second round of their bout. The victory showcased Joshua's potential and set the stage for his future success.
IBF Heavyweight Championship
One of the most significant accomplishments in Anthony Joshua's career came in April 2016 when he won the IBF Heavyweight Championship. He defeated Charles Martin in the second round, becoming the first British heavyweight boxer to win the title since Lennox Lewis in 1999. This victory propelled Joshua into the spotlight and solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.
The WBA (Super) Heavyweight Title
In April 2017, Joshua faced off against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in a highly anticipated bout at Wembley Stadium in London. The fight was a classic, with both fighters displaying immense skill and determination. Joshua emerged victorious in the eleventh round, securing the vacant WBA (Super) Heavyweight Title. This win further cemented his status as one of the top heavyweight boxers in the world.
WBO Heavyweight Championship
Anthony Joshua's quest for dominance in the heavyweight division continued in March 2018 when he faced Joseph Parker for the WBO Heavyweight Championship. Joshua showcased his versatility and boxing prowess by defeating Parker via unanimous decision. With this victory, Joshua added yet another belt to his ever-growing collection.
The Road to Redemption: Regaining the Belts
In June 2019, Anthony Joshua suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr., losing his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles. However, Joshua didn't let this setback discourage him. He embarked on a mission to reclaim his belts and prove his resilience.
IBF, WBA, and WBO Heavyweight Titles
In December 2019, Anthony Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr. in a highly anticipated rematch in Saudi Arabia. Joshua delivered a masterful performance, outboxing Ruiz Jr. throughout the fight and reclaiming his IBF, WBA, and WBO Heavyweight Titles. This victory showcased Joshua's determination and marked a significant moment in his career.
The Unified Champion: WBC Heavyweight Title
As of the time of writing, Anthony Joshua has not held the WBC Heavyweight Title. However, negotiations are underway for a highly anticipated bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury, the current WBC Heavyweight Champion. If Joshua emerges victorious in this match, he will add the prestigious WBC belt to his collection, solidifying his status as the unified heavyweight champion.
Anthony Joshua's journey in professional boxing has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as an Olympic gold medalist to his multiple victories and championship titles, Joshua has etched his name in boxing history. While he has held various belts throughout his career, his ambition to become the unified heavyweight champion is a testament to his drive and determination. As the boxing world eagerly awaits his upcoming bout against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua's legacy in the sport continues to grow, and his quest for greatness remains an inspiration to aspiring boxers worldwide.