With 8ozs of herbal cannabis found hidden a sports bag in Anthony Joshua’s Mercedes Benz by police after he was pulled over for speeding in Colindale, North London in March 2011. Joshua was charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug, an offence that carries a maximum 14-year sentence.
Joshua was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours’ unpaid work after pleading guilty at crown court.
Joshua was at the time already popular as an amateur boxer on the curbs of becoming a pro before he was sentenced.
A component of his sentencing made it mandatory for him to be at home by 8pm every day and an element that helped shaped Joshua into the world champions he is now despite being suspended from GB boxing squad for his crime.
By 2016 and the 27-year-old has ever since won an Olympic gold medal, the WBC International heavyweight, Commonwealth heavyweight, British heavyweight and the IBF World heavyweight titles.
What sparked the turn around?
“Imagine being at home every day at 8pm for 14 months: Christmas, New Year, birthdays,” Joshua told Men’s Health as he covers the December 2016 issue of the magazine.
“That routine was a really good start to my boxing career. I took a positive from it.”
Though a British citizen, Joshua, was born in Nigeria where he spent his early childhood before moving to England.
The boxer says he still lives with his mum, Yeta, in a former council flat in Watford, regardless of his rising profile.
“All I need is a place to rest my head. It will be good to have a bigger space, but more for my family to enjoy, not because of other people’s expectations,” he explained.
“If I’m managing, I don’t need to change it. And at the minute, I’m managing pretty well. Everyone’s happy.”
Joshua is set to defend his world title on December 10 against Eric Molina, in the midst of talks of a lucrative fight with Wladimir Klitschko ongoing.
The Nigerian born British boxer explains his fighting style.
“There are two types of warriors: the one that rides through on his horse and tries to slay everyone, and the sniper,” he said.
“I try to be more like the sniper. Bang. Bang. Bang. Break them down, shot by shot.”
