BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs - 10 things we learned from Anthony Joshua’s Desert Island Discs

Anthony Joshua is considered one of the most accomplished boxers in the UK. He achieved the rare feat of winning an Olympic gold medal and a world title in his career. Additionally, he has held the World Heavyweight unified champion title twice. Known for his success in the ring, he is also one of the wealthiest athletes in the sport, with his wealth estimated at £175 million according to the Sunday Times Rich List. Despite his many accomplishments, Joshua is only 34 years old.

Anthony had a tough upbringing in London. He faced challenges as a teenager and frequently found himself in trouble. However, everything changed when he discovered boxing. It provided him with a new sense of direction and purpose.

Here are 10 lessons we gained from listening to his Desert Island Discs...

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Anthony was always into sports. He excelled in soccer and running in school. However, he disliked playing soccer in bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or extreme cold. Boxing was the perfect solution for him as it helped him overcome these challenges.

I told him to come and punch me in the stomach when I was 13. He responded, "Dude, ever since that day, you've been turning into a fierce beast!"

Anthony's family knew he had potential in boxing from a young age.

He openly admits that he used to get in trouble for fighting as a teen, but when he started boxing at 19, he found a better way to release his energy. "I was fighting in a safe space. Plus, I could practice boxing indoors all year without having to worry about the cold. It was the perfect fit for me!"

Just Moved Out Of Mom's Flat

Anthony describes his mother, Yeta, as a remarkable woman. He realizes that one day his mother will no longer be around, and the thought is upsetting. He appreciates all the hard work and sacrifices she made to raise him, a determined and diligent son. Anthony admires his mother even more now that he is a father himself, recognizing the challenges she faced as a single parent. He applauds her dedication in raising him and his sister.

Anthony and his mom have a strong bond, so strong that he lived with her until recently. He explained, "I didn't want to abandon my mom. I wanted to ensure that she was comfortable and supported before I moved out. This way, I can feel free knowing that no matter where I am, my mom is happy and well cared for."

His Cousin Predicted He'd Become A Boxer

Anthony was born in Watford, but when he was 12 years old, his mother brought him to Nigeria, her birthplace, and he was placed in a boarding school. "It was extremely disciplined," he recalls. "In a Nigerian household, the expectations are that you will become either a lawyer or a doctor. There's no focus on sports... Education was a top priority. It was challenging having to take care of yourself - washing and ironing your own clothes."

Upon his return, his cousin noticed the early signs of a fighter within him. "He told me I was daring him to punch me in the stomach. I was only 13 years old. He said, 'Bro, from that moment on, you were becoming a true beast!'"

Lennox Lewis Offered Valuable Advice

Following his success in the London Olympics in 2012, Anthony decided to become a professional athlete. When asked about the impact this decision had on his life, he explained, “Even though I had gained recognition, I was still struggling financially... I realized that I needed to be more strategic. Now, I focus on the business side of things.”

Lauren Laverne and Anthony Joshua are in the recording studio for Desert Island Discs.

With 90,000 fans cheering loudly, there is a lot of energy focused on me and the ring. It is impossible to ignore. The only option is to welcome it.

He received some guidance from former boxer Lennox Lewis, who had a lot of knowledge in the field. Lewis advised him to start small and not rush into things. Although he initially felt the need to move quickly, he eventually understood the importance of taking it slow. Understanding the business side of boxing and managing his finances were the most challenging aspects of advancing his career. He struggled the most with navigating the business side of things and ensuring his financial stability for the future.

Feeding Off The Crowd's Cheers

While participating in the Olympics, Anthony realized he needed to block out the distractions of the cheering crowd. He was determined and concentrated on his performance without being swayed by the noise. However, when he faced Wladimir Klitschko in a fight, he understood that he had been approaching things the wrong way. Anthony acknowledged that the energy of 90,000 people cheering was overwhelming and impossible to ignore. Instead of trying to shut it out, he realized the best strategy was to embrace it. He learned to welcome the energy and excitement, smile at the crowd, raise his fist in acknowledgment, and fully embrace the moment.

Now he really enjoys the performance aspect of fighting. At one time, he even asked Stormzy to perform Shut Up - a song he chose as one of his favorite tunes - while he made his entrance. "The atmosphere was incredible," he recalls.

Music Is A Big Part Of His Life

Anthony selects a diverse mix of records – he's the pioneer in selecting a track by British rapper Skrapz – and expresses that music has always held significance for him. He even studied to become a sound engineer. "During difficult times [in my teenage years], I wanted to prove my worth to society," he explains. "So, I decided to attend college and pursue a career in sound engineering."

He explains: "I really enjoy music because I believe it can influence my mood and help me reach my goals. I have a wide range of music preferences, including reggae, classical, and hip hop. Currently, I am gravitating towards classical music as it helps me find peace and concentrate." When asked about his top picks for Desert Island Discs, he highlights Adele's song "Hometown Glory" and Nicholas Britell's "Agape" as particularly meaningful to him. He describes them as the perfect soundtracks to his life at the moment.

A Lesson Learned: 5 Days In Darkness

Not surprisingly, Anthony hates losing. He admitted, "I've been so upset after losing that I've even cried before." It's challenging for him. When faced with defeat, Anthony believes there are a few choices: stick with the same approach, make a total overhaul, or build upon what you already have. He prefers to build upon what he already has. To improve and learn more about himself, Anthony has tried some unconventional tactics, like spending five days in complete darkness.

This will be a lasting legacy for me, as I am contributing back to the sport that shaped who I am.

Anthony has a desire to start a facility for elderly boxers who are in poor health.

"It was so dim that nothing was visible. Stepping into that shadowy space provided me with a moment to relax and disconnect... It felt nice!" It prompted him to reflect on his priorities. "I don't have deep conversations with my family often enough... Being in that dark room made me realize that I need to have more meaningful interactions, to spend more time with my mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and sister... It emphasized what truly matters."

He Aims To Aid Aging Boxers

"We don't discuss our health as fighters," he explains. "We can see when a fellow fighter's health is getting worse, but we don't bring it up... Our main priority is just winning." He knows that some boxers retire in good health and with a lot of money, while others struggle with numerous issues. He hopes to establish a "retirement home for boxers with health problems... It would be my way of giving back to the sport that shaped me."

"He's Simply 'dad' At Home"

Anthony prioritizes his family above all else. He uses the theme from The Godfather to symbolize his dedication to them. When he's with his young son at home, he doesn't see himself as the world champion that others see.

"I have always kept my boxing career separate from my family," he explains. "To my dad, I am not the boxer, I am his son. To my mom, I am not the boxer, I am her son. And to my sister, I am not the boxer, I am her brother. I have always made sure to maintain that distinction. My dad understands that I fight, but to him, I am just his son."

He's Fearless Facing Life On A Desert Isle

"When you're getting ready to fight, it's important to spend time alone," he explains. "You go to training camp, which means you separate yourself from loved ones and friends... You're preparing for a challenge and aiming to win. It's like being on a deserted island, there's a sense of getting ready for a battle. There's the need to survive, but also the solitude... I believe I would feel at ease."

He has also had some experience of taking care of himself, as he was a guest on a TV show with survival guru Bear Grylls. "I thought the show might not be real, that we would climb a mountain and then go get fast food and stay in a hotel. But I ended up staying in the wilderness, eating a maggot, jumping in the sea, and reflecting on my life at some point!" Naturally, he selects a book by Bear Grylls to bring with him.