Anthony Joshua has opened up about the relationship between mental health and sport and revealed his issues with anxiety during ringwalks.
The two-time heavyweight champion spoke about the relationship between sports and mental health, and talked about his own anxieties in the build-up to fights.
‘Responsibility and Pressure’
Speaking to Sky Sports podcast Sidelines, he said: “It’s all fun and games in the gym but then you walk down the aisle to the ring and you think, what if I just turn back and I said I just can’t do this….”
“You’ve just come too far to turn back so you just have to deal with the anxiety,”
“How do you channel that responsibility and pressure? Dedication. When you’re dedicated to yourself, you can be dedicated to anything.”
“I am a fighter. Even when I stop fighting I’ll always have that passion. I don’t really put on that face for fighting and then another face for outside of the ring.’”
Joshua lost his world heavyweight titles to Andy Ruiz Jr in a shock defeat in June last year, with many observing that the British superstar didn’t seem himself as he approached the ring in the first bout.
But the pair met again in Saudi Arabia on December 7 for a rematch.
And AJ went into the fight with renewed focus and determination, and seemed his usual composed self as he out-boxed a heavy Ruiz Jr to win comfortably on points.
Looking Ahead
The 30-year-old is now looking ahead in his career as he aims to schedule a fight with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury later this year.
Wilder and Fury will go head to head in Los Angeles on February 22 for the WBC title.
And Joshua had previously said he wants to go after the winner to become undisputed champion.
After setting the record straight against Ruiz Jr, Joshua said post-fight: “It has to happen in 2020”
“We’re in the same division, same era, if these guys want to make history, especially Wilder because he has the last belt.”
“We created history by becoming a two-time champion of the world and I feel like we can add to that legacy in 2020.”
Speed Bump
Joshua’s plans to become undisputed champion may be hindered slightly if he’s forced to give up either his WBO or IBF title.
The governing bodies have both ordered mandatory title defences.
And despite promoter Eddie Hearn’s best efforts to fulfill both obligations, AJ may be required to forfeit one of his belts.
Despite the potential speed bump, AJ has insisted he’s not upset at the prospect of giving up one of his belts, and is confident he’d win it back.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Anthony Joshua)