The Resurgence of Heavyweight Champ Anthony Joshua
A Story of discipline, resilience and perseverance
Boxing is a sport that is now so dear to me for reasons best known to me and a few others. I thought of it as a dangerous sport and questioned its existence at the time. The notion of two individuals willingly subjecting themselves to potential harm, whether personal or not, perplexed me. However, my perspective shifted as I delved into the intricacies of the sport and followed its evolution. I came to appreciate the profound discipline it instils in its practitioners. Witnessing the character development among those involved in boxing was a revelation, contrasting starkly with my prior perceptions from a distance. The discipline, resilience, and perseverance exhibited by these athletes profoundly shaped their pursuit of success. This article delves into the remarkable resurgence of Anthony Joshua, highlighting how his unwavering commitment to discipline, resilience, and perseverance propelled him back to the pinnacle of the sport following moments of adversity.
Discipline
I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of boxing in the lives of individuals, bringing them from tumultuous pasts to lives of integrity and dignity. Despite its reputation for violence, boxing instills in its participants a profound sense of discipline and self-control. Achieving a professional level in the sport demands unwavering discipline, requiring individuals to abandon old habits such as substance abuse and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Anthony Joshua's journey epitomizes this transformation, capturing the imagination of the United Kingdom and beyond.
I didn't make the most of school, but boxing has given me discipline.
Anthony Joshua
Joshua's story is nothing short of remarkable—a testament to the profound impact boxing can have on one's life. From a troubled past that saw him on the brink of imprisonment, Joshua emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His dedication to the sport enabled him to overcome adversity and achieve extraordinary success. His crowning achievement came on the global stage when he represented Great Britain in the Olympics, clinching a gold medal and etching his name in history.
But Joshua's journey didn't end there. He continued to ascend the ranks of professional boxing, becoming a two-time unified heavyweight champion of the world. Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Joshua has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance. His philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to his community underscore his transformation from a troubled youth to a role model for millions.
Joshua's story serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, it's never too late to turn your life around. Through discipline, determination, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, individuals can overcome their pasts and achieve greatness. Joshua's journey from adversity to triumph is a testament to the transformative power of discipline and the boundless potential within each of us.
Success is hard to achieve without discipline!
Temitope Solanke
Discipline sets apart a struggling man from a successful man. There are nuances and exceptions to this. However, demonstrating discipline in career or industry or business gives a better chance of achieving success.
As long as you have discipline, you can be a success. Discipline is what makes you do everything you need to do.
Anthony Joshua
Resilience
A lot of great boxers have had setbacks in their careers. Once you lose your world title, it may take you years to get the opportunity to compete for it again, so what happens in between? That is always the most important part of any setback in life, be it in business or career. What motivates you to want to do more or achieve more? What keeps you awake at night when everyone is snoring? How much do you want success? Organizations, regardless of size, grapple with these questions daily, especially amid a downturn, let alone after a prolonged period of underperformance.
The mental is more important than the physical. You know that voice in your head telling you to give up if it gets tough. That's my main opponent - making sure that if your body wants to stop, your mind won't let you.
Anthony Joshua
The fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz
The build-up to this fight was exciting for the fans of AJ, as he is fondly called. The odds were all in his favor to win in the first few rounds. Who would bet against AJ in that fight? He had fought more difficult fights and won against the odds. This was not seen as a fight that would be different. He was initially meant to fight Jarrel Miller, who was caught using non-accepted substances, which led to the cancellation of the fight and Andy Ruiz being invited to fight against AJ.
I remember the feeling I had when I boarded the plane from London to New York to watch the bout. The plane was filled with AJ supporters, and everyone buzzed with positivity regarding AJ. At some point, some of the fans even started singing the popular AJ anthem – “Oooh Anth-ony Jo-shua” repeatedly. A friend of mine, who was the Chief Strategy Officer of the company I worked for at the time, was in New York for some high-level meetings with CEOs of banks. I had a spare complimentary ticket and offered it to him; couldn’t think of a better fight to invite a friend to like a sure one like this. Upon our arrival at Madison Square Garden, we were greeted by fellow supporters brimming with similar levels of enthusiasm for the upcoming fight. As the fight started, AJ knocked Andy Ruiz down and I was over the moon. I jumped so high; I could contest for high jump in Olympics. Shortly after that triumph, AJ was on the floor. “What the heck?”, I screamed out loud and I wasn’t the only one who felt that shock or disappointment. After that the fight went south for AJ and he eventually lost, I could hear different voices in the hall scream, “it is over for AJ! This is the end of his career.” I was emotionally drained and found it hard to even speak with my friend or invite him for a drink.
People have built me up to be untouchable, unbeatable, invincible, and I'm not that. I am a man, and I am a winner, but that can change in a second.
Anthony Joshua
Given how invincible AJ looked all through his career before then, I thought he was untouchable and would end his career without losing a bout. But then again, I was struck with the reality that everyone fails at some point and that seemed like AJ’s moment.
Everyone fails! Everyone has bad spells in time!
I have had my own bad times where I questioned my motivations. There have been times when personal issues took their toll on me in a way I have never experienced. Life hit me so hard that I questioned everything I believed in and could not keep myself focused on things I needed to do. I can imagine how many more people have experienced this same thing. Businesses, organizations, and groups have had to deal with the same ordeal. Businesses start up with dreams of hitting profit in the first few months and as they start, they realize that failure is an occurrence that is sure, but you cannot always fully plan for it. Resilience plays a huge factor in helping individuals and organizations adapt to challenging life experiences through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility.
The AJ-Ruiz rematch
I was scared when I heard about the rematch announcement and the fact that it was going to be in Saudi Arabia. “The weather is so hot there, very different from anything AJ knows!” I exclaimed. This favored Ruiz a lot more. Why would Eddie Hearn, who is the number 1 boxing promoter make that deal, I thought? The answer is obvious, but my sentiments were not about business. It was more about my support for AJ. Call me partial; I will take it every day of the week on this. Below is a photo I took with Eddie Hearn before the fight in Riyadh after I realized the genius of his decision. Platform. Financial.
I took a flight down to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the fight with relatives to support AJ, but we were all afraid, not because we didn’t believe in AJ’s ability to win but because we focused more on Ruiz’s performance in the first bout than on AJ’s resilience and ability to bounce back stronger.
To our joy and maybe, surprise, AJ won the fight decisively and won back all the belts he lost in the first bout. I carried all the belts with so much joy and pride in AJ’s dressing room after the fight.
For those who follow AJ, it is clear that he espouses resilience. I researched several behavioral psychologists to understand the ingredients of resilience and summarized them through the lens of AJ. The quote below is probably one of AJ’s best, because it summarizes everything about this article and also contains some of the ingredients of resilience.
From the neck up is where you win or lose the battle. It's the art of war. You have to lock yourself in and strategize your mindset. That's why boxers go to training camps: to shut down the noise and really zone in.
Anthony Joshua
Competence: From his early days as a boxer, Joshua dedicated himself to developing a robust skillset, honing his craft through rigorous training and discipline, which earned him a gold medal in boxing at the 2012 Olympics. His competence in the ring empowers him to tackle difficulties, instilling confidence in his capabilities. Irrespective of how one ranks high in the other ingredients, developing competence and skill sets is integral in the process of resilience. In the rematch against Andy Ruiz, he dug into the old creed of boxing scholars about the science of hitting your opponents and not being hit. He went to the fight, showing off competence, changing his style from his traditional fighting style to proper boxing science.
Confidence: Despite setbacks, Joshua maintains a steadfast belief in his abilities. His confidence is evident in his demeanor both in and out of the ring, enabling him to face challenges with a positive mindset and the conviction that he can overcome adversity. As my mum says, “You fail only when you tell yourself you have failed.” Joshua went into the rematch against Ruiz with a confidence that surprised many.
Connection: Throughout his career, Joshua has surrounded himself with a strong support network, including family, friends, and coaches. These social connections provide him with emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, acting as a buffer against stress and setbacks. After the defeat, he spent more time with family and friends and got the much-needed energy that comes from being around loved ones. The connection was a form of recharging.
Character: Joshua's character is defined by his values, ethics, and integrity. Even in the face of criticism or controversy, he remains true to himself and his principles, navigating challenges with a clear moral compass and making choices aligned with his values. His character has made him a role model for young children who aspire to be boxers. It takes character to hit a wall of bricks, bounce back quickly, adjust efforts, and find another way around. Character serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals through life's journey with honesty, responsibility, and compassion. It is the cornerstone of trust in both personal and professional relationships, cultivated through self-reflection and a dedication to ethical conduct. Above all, Joshua's strength of character shines brightly, illuminating his path to greatness.
Contribution: Beyond his personal achievements, Joshua is driven by a desire to contribute to a greater purpose. He uses his platform to inspire and uplift others, finding meaning and fulfillment in making a positive impact on society. Anthony Joshua's philanthropic endeavors exemplify his generosity and compassion beyond the boxing ring. Throughout his career, Joshua has been actively involved in various charitable activities and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society. One notable example is his support for youth development programs, where he mentors and inspires young individuals to reach their full potential, instilling in them the values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Additionally, Joshua has been a staunch advocate for social causes, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for issues such as youth empowerment, education, and health awareness. His charitable contributions extend globally, with donations to organizations providing aid to disadvantaged communities and supporting humanitarian efforts. Joshua's commitment to giving back reflects his genuine desire to uplift others and create a better world, embodying the true spirit of benevolence and charity.
Coping: Amid adversity, Joshua demonstrates adaptive coping mechanisms, employing problem-solving skills and emotional regulation techniques to navigate difficult situations with flexibility and resilience. This is probably the least talked about. Individuals and organizations need to demonstrate adaptive coping mechanisms to stay on top of challenging situations.
Control: While Joshua may face uncertainties and setbacks in his career, he remains focused on what he can control. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a sense of self-efficacy, he continues to push forward, undeterred by challenges along the way. One thing I have noticed about him is that he focuses more on himself than his opponents. He knows he cannot control the actions of his opponents but focuses on himself. In the rematch against Ruiz, he prepared based on what he could control.
Anthony Joshua's resilience is a testament to his competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping mechanisms, and focus on control. Through his journey, he exemplifies how each core aspect of resilience contributes to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the face of adversity.
Perseverance
I can guess what is on your mind, “Isn’t perseverance the same as resilience?” I thought so too until I carried out my research. Though interrelated, perseverance is different from resilience. Perseverance embodies the commitment to persist in one's endeavors despite encountering obstacles, continuously striving for improvement and growth. It encompasses both passion and determination, driven by self-discipline.
Perseverance entails staying dedicated to long-term objectives, even in the absence of immediate rewards or recognition.
Unknown
The fight between Anthony Joshua and Alexander Usyk
The quote above reminds me of Joshua’s journey through the Usyk fights and his determination to be an undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He and his promoter had been touting the possibility of an undisputed fight with Tyson Fury, but it fell flat, and Usyk was invited to fight against him. For context, Usyk had just moved from Cruiserweight, where he was the undisputed champion and unbeaten, to the heavyweight division. He had just come off an unconvincing victory against Derek Chisora, who was close to the end of his career. Despite the knowledge of Usyk’s triumph in the Cruiserweight division, it was difficult to overlook his unconvincing victory against Derek Chisora. Some even argued the fight should have been scored a draw or a win in favor of Derek Chisora.
There I was, at the beautiful Tottenham Hotspur stadium in North London, to watch the fight between a one-time undisputed Cruiserweight champion and a current unified Heavyweight champion (Joshua). The fight did not end as most expected. Joshua lost on points, and I just could not believe it. He was much taller, much heavier and has been in the Heavyweight scene for longer. How did this happen? The outcome of the match made most view Usyk differently again. That was a painful loss for Joshua, given that the fight he would have fought before the Usyk bout was an undisputed fight. How do you go from that to losing all the belts you had? That, I guess, was on his mind.
Should he continue and seek a rematch or just keep it simple and just fight enough bouts that bring cash and sort out his retirement? There were voices saying this in silence. He remained unperturbed by his loss and kept his eyes on his long-term objectives and goals – PERSEVERANCE!
Just set yourself a goal and try and stick to it. Because you'll always end up better than where you started.
Anthony Joshua
He went on into the rematch, and he lost again, and his emotions were over the roof for the first time in his professional career. Whatever happened to the cool, calm, and collected AJ, who everyone raced to write about in magazines? Most seasoned pundits wrote him off and did not think anything was left in him. It was a difficult time for him and, to be honest, the Heavyweight division. Before Joshua became professional, the heavyweight division was in decay, and the purses were nowhere close to those at other weight divisions. The excitement had died down, with the main belts being held by two brothers who refused to fight each other.
AJ did not give up, he still had his eyes on his objectives and goals, so instead of retreating, he knew he had to start his journey again from behind to get a shot at high-profile fights and championship fights. He went into darkness so that he could see the light after. These are the challenges individuals and organizations face, and those who we see at the top are the ones who persevered and were persistent; they did not give up. Along the way, most other organizations would have given up, but those you see at the top have that quality – perseverance.
The rebuilding
Joshua started taking fights to build his confidence and chart a new path for himself. He changed coaches, as you would expect, to determine the coach that would be the best fit for him. He fought Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin, and not taking long breaks between fights. He was a man on a mission.
I remember watching his fight against Robert Helenius live at the O2 Arena with Tommy Golczynski and some relatives. We were unsure how the fight would end but it was clear we were in full support of AJ. Some thought he was being too careful; some thought he was working according to plan; and some just wanted him to be a fighter and go all out to attack his opponent.
Joshua fought the fight with a straight head, and he was focused. When the time was right, the fighter in him came out and he knocked Helenius out in what we all called the “Return of AJ.” I guess you can say PATIENCE is an ingredient of perseverance, and I mean it in two ways. One, it takes patience to wait for the exact time of your opponent’s weakness to strike. Maybe Joshua could have been vulnerable if he rushed into attack, but he took his time like a lion who is slowly studying his prey and patiently waiting for a time to strike. In my Yoruba language, there is a saying, “Yiyo kęlę ękun bi tojo ko,” meaning the slow movement of a lion is not due to fear. Two, it takes patience to continue, knowing how far the distance is and the number of obstacles ahead to get another shot at a title fight. Patience!
The Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou fight and build-up
The next fight against Otto Wallin saw a more improved, tactical, and yet aggressive AJ. He did what Tyson Fury struggled to do with the same opponent. We were all beginning to see the light AJ saw when he went into darkness. It was beginning to shimmer and the glimmer of hope became more apparent. This created excitement in the heavyweight division. Shortly after, Tyson Fury secured a somewhat unconvincing win against Francis Ngannou, a recent convert from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to boxing. Ngannou surprised many by knocking Fury to the canvas during the bout. This sparked speculation among boxing enthusiasts, who began clamoring for a matchup between Anthony Joshua and Ngannou to determine whether Joshua could replicate Fury's success against Ngannou or even surpass it. The anticipation surrounding the Joshua-Ngannou fight quickly gained momentum, prompting extensive hype and marketing efforts. The fight was in the backdrop of a potential undisputed fight between Fury and Usyk where the power players in boxing had promised that the winner between Joshua-Ngannou would have an undisputed title shot with the winner between Fury-Usyk. The dream of the undisputed fight is yet again in the horizon. A short while ago, Joshua was written off, now his name is now associated with an undisputed fight.
I snipped the image below from Joshua’s Instagram account and I was astonished by the difference discipline, resilience and perseverance makes! In less than 2 years. The comparison is apt. The left-hand side was following his defeat against Usyk in August 2022 and the right-hand side was after his triumph against Francis Ngannou.
Discipline, resilience and perseverance define Anthony Joshua and have helped him comeback from a dark side. The punchline here is that individuals and organizations fail at times, but with discipline, resilience and perseverance, a comeback is imminent.
Concluding Thoughts
Anthony Joshua's journey embodies the transformative power of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. From a troubled past to the pinnacle of success, Joshua's unwavering commitment to these values has been the cornerstone of his remarkable resurgence in the boxing world. His story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the capacity for redemption and triumph in the face of adversity. As individuals and organizations navigate their own challenges and setbacks, they can draw inspiration from Joshua's example. By cultivating discipline in their pursuits, remaining resilient in the face of obstacles, and persevering with unwavering determination, they too can overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Joshua's journey reminds us that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation. With discipline, resilience, and perseverance as guiding principles, individuals and organizations can chart a path to success, no matter the obstacles they encounter along the way.