Anthony Joshua: A journey of triumph and resilience

Anthony Joshua’s career has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, marked by extraordinary victories and, perhaps more notably, crushing defeats.

‘AJ’ is currently trying to rebuild his career following successive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, but he’s steadily climbing back up the heavyweight ladder and a victory over Otto Wallin could be another rung closer to becoming world champion for a third time.

The Brit is due to trade blows with the Swedish warrior in Saudi Arabia on December 23, and he’s the overwhelming favourite in the Joshua vs Otto Wallin odds.

In the build-up to the hugely anticipated fight night, let’s recap five defining moments that have shaped the legacy of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion.

Ascending to greatness with victory over Wladimir Klitschko (2017)

Joshua burst onto the world stage on April 29, 2017, at Wembley Stadium, where he faced the legendary Wladimir Klitschko.

In a thrilling contest that saw both fighters hit the canvas, Joshua emerged victorious with an eleventh-round knockout.

This victory not only unified the WBA (Super), IBF, and IBO titles but also solidified Joshua’s status as a global heavyweight sensation.

Shock upset against Andy Ruiz Jr. (2019)

On June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden on his stateside debut, Joshua suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr.

It was a major upset in the boxing betting and marked the first loss of Joshua’s professional career, resulting in the relinquishing of his heavyweight titles.

Despite the setback, Joshua showcased humility in defeat, and this moment spurred a period of introspection and adaptation.

Redemption in the rematch vs Ruiz Jr. (2019)

In a defining moment of resilience, Joshua faced Ruiz Jr. in a highly anticipated rematch on December 7, 2019, in Saudi Arabia.

Displaying a more cautious and strategic approach, Joshua reclaimed his titles with a unanimous decision victory, underscoring his ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Back-to-back defeats to Usyk (2021 and 2022)

The most challenging phase of Joshua’s career unfolded in 2021 and 2022, when he faced the skilled Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.

In back-to-back encounters, Joshua experienced defeat at the hands of Usyk, first by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and then by split decision in the Middle East.

The first loss resulted in Joshua relinquishing the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, which Usyk will put on the line against Tyson Fury in an undisputed bout in February.

These setbacks are pivotal moments that have tested Joshua’s mettle and resolve, and serious questions have been asked if AJ will ever become a world champion again.

Resurgence in 2023

Joshua’s response to adversity in 2023 has showcased his championship pedigree.

On April 1, he faced Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena, securing a unanimous decision victory over the American.

This marked the first step in his journey to reclaim prominence in the heavyweight division.

Just a few months later, on August 12, Joshua delivered a resounding knockout against Robert Helenius at the same venue.

The quickfire wins signaled Joshua’s comeback, reminding the world that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight landscape.

Joshua’s career has been defined not only by his triumphs but also by his ability to rebound from setbacks.

The back-to-back defeats to Usyk were undoubtedly challenging, but they set the stage for a remarkable resurgence.

As Joshua continues his journey, these defining moments serve as a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of greatness in the sport of boxing.