If it hadn’t been for the inspirational story of Mike Tyson, it appears that Anthony Joshua might never have pursued a career in boxing.
Joshua entered the world of boxing relatively late, and during his early years, he fell in with the wrong crowd, leading to a brief stint in jail. However, once he discovered boxing, he completely transformed his life.
Both Joshua and Tyson have a similar narrative, where the sport of boxing guided them away from a life of crime.
According to Joshua’s revelation to iD Boxing, he was inspired to take up boxing because of Mike Tyson’s story. Joshua cited that Tyson’s background as a troubled youth and former robber until the age of 13, along with his challenging environment, impressed him. It was not only Tyson’s physical abilities that inspired Joshua but also the way his mindset was transformed, enabling him to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Tyson’s journey and the transformation of his mindset motivated Joshua to pursue boxing and work towards his own success in the sport.
Joshua further explained that Mike Tyson’s story resonated with him deeply because it demonstrated the power of determination and the ability to transform one’s life. Tyson wasn’t initially seen as a child prodigy boxer; instead, he faced a bleak outlook of possibly ending up in jail or worse. However, through sheer determination and with the guidance of the right individuals, Tyson managed to change the trajectory of his life. This transformation allowed him to become the youngest heavyweight champion ever.
Tyson’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that with dedication and surrounding oneself with positive influences, anyone can overcome their past and achieve greatness. It is this mindset and the belief in the potential to change one’s life that made Mike Tyson Joshua’s favorite and a significant source of inspiration for his own boxing career.
Apologies for any confusion. You are correct. Anthony Joshua was primarily inspired by Mike Tyson’s mindset, not his physical abilities. Tyson’s story, along with the impact of his late coach, Cus D’Amato, who believed in him despite his troubled past, served as a life-changing influence on Tyson.
Tyson’s rise to becoming one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, reigning as undisputed world champion between 1987 and 1990, showcases the remarkable transformation that can occur when someone applies themselves and surrounds themselves with positive influences like his coach, Cus D’Amato.
In summary, Anthony Joshua found inspiration in Mike Tyson’s mindset, which demonstrated that with dedication and the right guidance, anyone can achieve greatness, regardless of their background or past circumstances. Tyson’s journey serves as a powerful example of personal transformation and achievement in the world of boxing.
Indeed, as of now, Anthony Joshua has not achieved the same level of accolades as Mike Tyson, but he has had an impressive career in his own right. As a two-time unified heavyweight world champion, Joshua has shown his skills and talent in the division.
While Joshua has faced some setbacks in recent years, with three losses in his last five fights, he is still relatively young at 33 years old, and there is plenty of time for him to bounce back and further enhance his legacy in the heavyweight division.
His upcoming fight against Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London on April 1 is a crucial opportunity for Joshua to regain his momentum and reaffirm his status as a top contender in the glamour division of boxing. With determination and the right preparation, he has the potential to recapture his position at the pinnacle of the sport and compete for world titles once again. Boxing fans will be eagerly watching to see how Joshua’s career unfolds from here on.