What Age did Anthony Joshua go Pro?

By Edcel Panganiban December 23, 2023 02:07

Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Anthony Joshua is a renowned British professional boxer who has achieved great success in his career. Known for his impressive physique, skill, and power, Joshua has won multiple world heavyweight titles and has become one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. However, his journey to professional boxing was not an easy one. In this article, we will explore the age at which Anthony Joshua turned pro and delve into the significant milestones of his early career.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Anthony Joshua's passion for boxing began at a young age. He initially started training at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club in North London, where he quickly demonstrated his potential. Despite facing some challenges in his youth, Joshua's dedication and talent in the ring caught the attention of the boxing community.

As an amateur boxer, Joshua achieved remarkable success. He won the Haringey Box Cup in 2009, which marked the beginning of his rise through the ranks of amateur boxing. His skills continued to develop, and he soon became a notable figure in the sport. In 2010, he won the Senior ABA Championships, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young boxer.

Anthony Joshua Turns Pro

It was in 2011 that Anthony Joshua made the decision to turn professional. At the time, he was just 22 years old. Joshua's decision to go pro was backed by his impressive amateur career, which helped him gain recognition and secure a solid foundation for his transition into the professional ranks.

Joshua made his professional debut on October 5, 2013, at the O2 Arena in London. His opponent was the Italian boxer Emanuele Leo, whom he defeated in the first round by TKO (technical knockout). This victory marked the beginning of Joshua's professional career, which would soon be filled with numerous triumphs and accolades.

Early Professional Career

In the early stages of his professional career, Anthony Joshua demonstrated his dominance in the heavyweight division. He quickly gained a reputation for his explosive power and knockout abilities. His fights were eagerly anticipated, and his fan base grew rapidly.

Joshua's early professional fights were marked by his ability to dispatch opponents with relative ease. He racked up an impressive streak of knockout victories, often finishing his opponents within the first few rounds. This led to an increasing demand for his fights and a surge in his popularity within the boxing world.

Significant Milestones

Throughout his professional career, Anthony Joshua has achieved numerous significant milestones. Here are some notable highlights:

Olympic Gold Medal

Before turning pro, Joshua represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He won a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division, further cementing his status as a top-tier boxer. This victory not only showcased his skills on a global stage but also added to his growing reputation.

World Heavyweight Titles

Joshua's ascent in the professional ranks continued as he secured multiple world heavyweight titles. In 2016, he defeated Charles Martin to claim the IBF (International Boxing Federation) heavyweight title. He followed this up with victories against Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin, winning the WBA (World Boxing Association), IBO (International Boxing Organization), and WBO (World Boxing Organization) titles, respectively.

Rematches and Unification Fights

Throughout his career, Joshua has faced notable opponents in highly anticipated rematches and unification fights. He avenged his only loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch, reclaiming his heavyweight titles. He also engaged in a historic unification fight against Tyson Fury, which was eagerly anticipated by boxing fans around the world.

Anthony Joshua turned pro at the age of 22, following an impressive amateur career. Since then, he has achieved remarkable success, winning multiple world heavyweight titles and becoming a global superstar in the sport of boxing. Joshua's journey from his early days as an amateur to his current status as one of the most recognized boxers in the world serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.