In the post, Anthony Joshua, 35, drew parallels between himself and basketball legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, stating, I love the game. Lagos, Nigeria April 7, 2025 Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has shared a rare moment of vulnerability with his fans, reflecting on his career, legacy, and the love he receives from supporters in a heartfelt post on X. The post , shared on April 6, 2025, at 19 19 UTC, has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and critics alike, highlighting the polarizing perception of the former unified heavyweight champion as he navigates a pivotal moment in his career. I feel like one of them ball players you know? Like Bird, Magic, James, Jordan, Kobe or something. ‘He went on to express his internal conflict about potentially stepping away from boxing, asking, You know I got dough, I could leave the game. . . I love the hustle. But if I leave. I get love out here in streets man. Accompanying the caption were two images. Are the fans still gonna love me, man? A group of onlookers can be seen in the background, suggesting Joshua’s strong connection with his community. The first showed Joshua walking down a street in what appears to be an urban setting, dressed in athletic gear and a tactical vest, possibly after a recreational activity like laser tag. The second image, a closeup of a man speaking, appears to be a reference to a movie or interview clip that resonates with Joshua’s current mindset, though its exact origin remains unclear.
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The post comes at a time when Joshua’s career is under scrutiny. After a stories run that saw him claim Olympic gold in 2012 and unify the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles, Joshua has faced setbacks, including losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Recent rumors of a potential fight with YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul in 2026 have divided fans, with some seeing it as a lucrative but controversial move. Supporters like michaelwale_ called him our favorite Champion, while olamdig referred to him as a son of the soil, a nod to Joshua’s Nigerian heritage and British roots. Fan reactions to Joshua’s post were mixed.
A report from The Mirror US on March 31, 2025, noted that boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed concerns about the matchup , citing the medical consequences for Paul, while Tommy Fury, the only fighter to defeat Paul, reminded the public of his victory over the social media star in 2023. rcw9715 accused Joshua of chasing money over legacy, stating, You’ve gone from a could’ve been great to fighting Jake Paul. However, others were critical. you’ve done your own demise for money. Another user, WIRTZPR0P, urged Joshua to end Jake Paul for us, reflecting a desire for the boxer to reclaim his dominance against a polarizing figure. In a 2024 interview with DAZN Boxing, as reported by Sportskeeda , Joshua discussed feeling underestimated by the British public , a sentiment that persists despite his achievements.
Some fans have pointed to past controversies, including racist comments, as a reason for his divisive reputation, though his grassroots support remains strong, particularly in communities like the one depicted in the X post’s image. The post also aligns with Joshua’s ongoing reflection on his public image. As Joshua continues to navigate his career, his latest X post underscores the emotional weight of his journey. Adding to the context, a recent article from Seconds Out on April 5, 2025, revealed that former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has expressed interest in a rematch with Joshua, offering a potential path back to a world title shot. Parker, who lost to Joshua in 2018, told FastSlots he wants to avenge that defeat, a fight that could restore Joshua’s standing among boxing purists. Whether he chooses to fight Paul, pursue a rematch with Parker, or step away from the ring, one thing is clear the love of his fans and his fear of losing it remains a driving force for the heavyweight icon.
