By Terence Dooley
London’s Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) is gearing up to fight America's Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 early) for the IBF heavyweight title at the city’s O2 Arena on April 9 yet life could have all been much different for the 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist had he continued down the path he followed earlier in his life.
Joshua told The Sun that he started getting into trouble with the law when he was only 16 and that his life could have spiralled out of control if it wasn’t for the sport of boxing. He revealed to the publication that it all began when someone gave him a bit of abuse during a game of football. “I got him round the neck and threw him over my shoulder,” he said.
“I didn't know my own strength and he didn't land too well. Incredibly, it went to court and I was charged with ABH. Luckily, they ended up giving me a slap across the wrist.”
In and out of youth hostels in his early-20s, the 26-year-old turned things around after spending some time on remand. He said: “One time, I even ended up on remand in Reading. I wouldn't be here now if I had been found guilty. What did I do? I think I'll pass on that one. But that was the turning point.”
Like Audley Harrison before him, Joshua turned away from crime and towards boxing—and he has never looked back. However, he was hit with a possession of cannabis (for personal use) charge when part of Team GB. Despite being hit with a temporary ban, he went on to become a successful amateur and now hopes to translate amateur success to a professional world title.
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