Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua recently shared his concern for his long-term health and its impact on his legacy after retiring from boxing. In an interview with Men’s Health, the British-Nigerian boxer emphasized the physical toll that the sport takes on athletes. He stated, “In boxing, people walk in the gym one way and not many walk out the same way, because of the trauma and the stuff they put their body through.”

Joshua expressed a desire for his legacy to be judged not just by his wins and losses but also by his physical wellbeing in old age. He said, “I want my legacy to be, I walked out healthy. Imagine me at the age of 50 or 60 in a wheelchair and fragile because of the trauma I put my body through. My legacy should be when I’m old, I’m still fresh.”

The 33-year-old fighter recently earned a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin, his first win since suffering two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua credits his new trainer, Derrick James, for his recent success. James is known for coaching welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo.

Joshua may face former WBC champion Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in the Middle East this December, though there is speculation that he could return to the ring in the summer depending on the outcome of the December fight. Joshua commented on the potential December match-up, stating, “It has been a long time coming. There are a lot of moving shapes at the minute, a lot of things happening, so one step at a time. But it has been a long time coming, for sure.”

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