Emotional Anthony Joshua Reveals Rarely Seen Side, Contemplates Quitting Boxing

Anthony Joshua has openly shared the challenges he faced in his boxing journey and his contemplation about whether to continue in the sport. In a conversation with BBC journalist Louis Theroux, the two-time heavyweight world champion delved into his mindset both before and after his comeback victory against Jermaine Franklin.

Reflecting on the night in Saudi Arabia in August of the previous year, Joshua’s emotions remained fresh and intense when Theroux touched upon the moment involving the championship belts.

“Oh yeah that part,” AJ shared. “It was like, ‘these don’t mean anything anyway, he got them and because I didn’t get them they don’t mean anything’. It was ego and pride coming out.

“It was like, ‘I brought this heavyweight division back’ that’s what was in me, right or wrong.”

When Theroux interrupted to point out the inaccuracy, Joshua displayed an unusual instance of annoyance with the renowned interviewer.
“You asked me a question and I’m answering it,” the 34-year-old said. “I’ve thrown them because that’s how I felt, I grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd.

He became touchy when Theroux highlighted that it was an incorrect move.

“Could I have done it better? Of course I could’ve, but I’d just finished a 12-round fight and I felt frustrated and annoyed, I knew I was out of the title race.

“And then the questions started. ‘What is he like?’ ‘Where’s his head at?’ all this, ‘can he be three-time champion of the world?’
“People create this narrative and put pressure on me. It’s too much.

“Gone are the days when it was fun, when you’re just doing it for the passion, you’re a prospect.”

The concept of pressure was a constant topic for AJ, and he frequently expressed how it is causing him to reconsider his commitment to boxing.

“Do you know what? I really do [enjoy boxing].” he said. “But can I be bothered with all the bull** that comes with it? It turns me off massively.

“I just realized that it’s not all so important, you put so much pressure on yourself to come and be this big star and be perfect, and I’m telling you they’ll pull you down.

“The higher you are the bigger the drop, so that’s why I try not to put too much pressure on myself, because that pressure drives you away from your core values.

“I just want to be normal, I don’t want to put myself under pressure.”

Theroux then brought up Joshua’s remarks on money and referenced former professionals who suggested he should quit if financial gain is his sole motivation.

“Sometimes it leaves me speechless,” AJ said visibly baffled. “Every little thing I say are we going to dissect it? To make a narrative, to create a story?”

The pivotal moment in the interview arrived when Joshua hinted at contemplating stepping away from the boxing ring.
“From where I began to going on to achieving, it’s never enough. ‘Will he ever be three-time champion of the world?’ It’s just too much,” he said.

“Maybe I should stop if I can’t deal with it.”