john dennen

Over the last 8 years Anthony Joshua has pounded his way to the top of the boxing world. In April 2017 he faced the legendary Ukrainian, Wladimir Klitschko, in the fight that commentators have labelled the heavyweight fight of the century. Sports fans were gripped as Joshua battled bravely through 11 gruelling rounds, recovering from a sixth round knockout to ultimately defeat Klitschko, setting up a stoppage with an uppercut that thundered around the world.

When 18-year-old Anthony Joshua first stepped into a North London gym in 2008, nobody could have imagined the meteoric rise to superstardom. As an amateur he stunned all observers, claiming a silver medal in the World Championships in Azerbaijan. Then a spectacular victory in front of a home crowd at London 2012 saw him claim Olympic Gold.

The professional ranks called, and Joshua has delivered. Now his first 19 fights: all wins, all by knockout. And so this young fighter has graduated to the top of the division. 90,000 fans saw his fight live in April 2017 which also broke box office records and is destined to be considered an all-time classic.

This is an intimate biography of a champion, charting his journey to face Klitschko at Wembley. It is an account from a writer who has witnessed Joshua’s development from the start, following him from his earliest amateur bouts to major title fights. He reveals a boxer with respect for his predecessors, a level head and an unwavering determination to succeed. The heavyweight division has been lit up by a refreshing new hero. His name is Anthony Joshua.