Anthony Joshua Steers His Son Away from Boxing for a Brighter Future
Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has expressed his desire for his eight-year-old son, Joseph ‘JJ’ Joshua, to steer clear of the boxing ring. Despite the sport bringing him immense success and financial security, Joshua is not keen on having his son follow in his footsteps.
A Different Path for JJ
Speaking on Desert Island Discs, Joshua shared his perspective on the potential career choices for his son. “I don’t think it’s a wise decision [to follow in my footsteps],” he said. “If I were to choose for him, I’d ask him to probably look at accountancy because I think it’s good to understand numbers.” Joshua emphasized the value of business acumen, hoping that JJ will focus on becoming an entrepreneur and making smart investments.
Keeping Boxing Out of JJ’s Life
Joshua has deliberately kept boxing out of his son’s life, ensuring JJ views him just as his dad, not the boxing superstar. “He is cool. He gets it. I have always kept boxing out. So he gets that,” Joshua said. With JJ approaching the age where he could start sparring and potentially compete, Joshua remains firm in his stance against his son entering the sport.
The Mental Toll of Boxing
The British star highlighted the mental pressures associated with boxing, pressures he does not wish upon his son. “You have to be so strong, you have to be so strong mentally to be a boxer,” Joshua explained. “I am not saying he won’t be mentally strong, but I would not want to put him through that mental pressure.”
Avoiding the Spotlight
Joshua is also aware of the unique challenges that come with being the child of a famous athlete. “Imagine ‘Anthony Joshua’s son is boxing’. There would be a target on his back straight away. Would I want to put him under that pressure? Probably not,” he said. This concern echoes the experiences of other boxing families, such as Conor Benn, son of Nigel Benn, and Chris Eubank Jr., son of Chris Eubank, who have faced intense scrutiny and expectations.
Conclusion
While Anthony Joshua’s career has reached the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, he envisions a different future for his son. By steering JJ away from boxing, Joshua hopes to shield him from the sport’s physical and mental demands, focusing instead on a path that offers stability and growth in the business world. As a dedicated father, Joshua prioritizes his son’s well-being and personal development over continuing the family legacy in the ring.
