By Omobolaji Oyegunle
LONDON – British-Nigeria born World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua has confessed he has had to sacrifice his personal life to become totally focussed on becoming the “best athlete possible – and training means he doesn’t’ have time for girlfriends’.
In an interview with STANDARD, the world heavyweight champion admitted he is still ”learning about myself” as he comes to terms with being British boxing’s biggest name.
Last month, fellow boxer Amir Khan accused the London 2012 gold medallist of having an affair with his wife Faryal – but the claims were swiftly denied by Joshua, 27, who said he had never even met her.
The London- based, Watford-born boxer said he had little time for a personal life as he focussed on his career, and he pleaded with family and friends to be patient as he sought to follow his dream.
”If people can ride with time for the next 10 to 12 years I would really appreciate it, but if they can’t forsee the future l’d rather they jump off the boat because I can’t stop for no one right now.
“I was speaking to my coach, who worked with British former world champion Carl Froch who had a 12 year career. One day it does not finish and now he has all the time in the world to think about business, family. Not everyone likes the decisions I make but I’ve got to make my own decisions. Decisions I make impact others. ”He added:
”And my time training means there is not much time for girlfriends either.”
Since turning pro in 2013, Joshua’s record is 19 wins by KO in 19 fights. In April, he unified the IBF and WBA belts by beating Wladimir Klitscho at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua, speaking as he launched mobile service Voxi, said: ” I need to focus on being the best athlete possible”.
He added, “What keeps me going is the fear of post-career. What does one do after?. That’s the fear that keeps you motivated. When you come from nothing, the fear is going back to nothing.”
