Joshua Anthony’s story easily reminds one of a popular bible verse about a rejected stone becoming the chief corner stone.
In 2008 he was denied the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Beijing Olympics. But rather than allow that rather unfortunate incident to dispirit him, Joshua returned to England to pursue his boxing career.
Thereafter, he represented England at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics, and won silver and gold medals respectively.
With hard work, commitment and zest, Joshua boxed his way to fame, defeating former world champion, Wladimir Klitschko, to become the world boxing heavyweight champion in 2017.
In the same year, he proved that beating Klitschko was no fluke when he defeated Carlos Takam to retain his championship, taking his professional career a record high with 20 wins in 20 fights.
That his spirit was not crushed by the early rejection he suffered in his career and that he never denied his home country Nigeria out of bitterness makes him a role model whose story is bound to inspire others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
