Anthony Joshua may be gearing up for his bout with Alexander Povetkin but that hasn’t stopped the heavyweight champion of the world from taking time out of his schedule to inspire the next generation.
Joshua puts his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts on the line when he faces Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on September 22. However, ahead of that fight the Brit continued his battle – this one outside of the ring - of aiming to inspire one million people to move more by 2020.
The initiative by Lucozade Sport is part of their Made to Move campaign, with Joshua starring in their new emotive short-film documentary released on Tuesday.
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Anthony Joshua took time out of his fight preparation to participate in the campaign
The British heavyweight is readying himself for Alexander Povetkin on September 22
In the nine-minute footage, the 28-year-old meets 19-year-old Michael Kuku, an aspiring coach with the South London B Active community sports programme.
Kuku is surprisingly greeted at his house by Joshua who then proceeds to try to motivate him in his desire of one day becoming a top level football coach.
As the documentary rolls on the pair are seen on streets of Southwark, to sparring with coach Sean Murphy at Finchley Boxing Club before discussing Kuku’s ambitions as they overlook Wembley – the setting for Joshua’s upcoming bout.
‘There was something about Michael’s story that really resonated with me - I see so much of the passion and hard work that helped me to get to where I am today,’ Joshua said of Kuku.
Joshua met Michael Kuku (left) at Finchley Boxing Club and enjoyed each other's company
‘He is setting an example for the younger generation, encouraging them to keep moving forwards; something I always strive for in my sporting career.’
Striving forward is something that Joshua has managed impressively in boxing since turning professional five years ago with 21 wins from 21 bouts - 20 of those via knockout.
Joshua will be hoping to extend that winning record to 22-0 later this month against the 39-year-old Povetkin.
He is the heavy favourite to win boasting a height and reach advantage as well as being 11 years younger.
Despite those factors, Joshua is wary of his Russian opponent as he told Sportsmail exclusively.
AJ is a heavy favourite to overcome Povetkin on September 22 but is wary of the threat
The former Olympic champion wants to inspire people as part of the 'Made to Move' campaign
‘Povetkin is a gold medallist who enjoyed a great amateur career and has an unbelievable pedigree. I have watched him for a long time,’ he said.
‘You can never under-estimate any fighter and Povetkin will be one of the best fighters I have faced on my record. He has a style I enjoy competing with, I have no problem with left hooks and right hands, defending and countering. I know the problems he can cause and I have trained diligently to meet them head on.’
Victory against Povetkin, will intensify talk of a mouthwatering unification bout with WBC champion Deontay Wilder or the ‘lineal’ champion Tyson Fury.
Those two are expected to meet later this year with Joshua adamant he will get his chance to go toe-to-toe with both at some point in the future.
‘You have to focus on your opponent and the challenge that is directly in front of you, so I am not really looking past that for now,’ he said of a future Wilder or Fury fight.
Joshua is confident that he will face both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in the future
The 28-year-old doesn't allow himself to get swept up in the hype of heavyweight boxing
‘We have already announced I will be fighting again in April so we will have to see what happens then. One thing is for sure we will all fight each other at some point as we are all in the same era.’
Both outspoken boxers have publicly called out Joshua several times this year – a ploy that he refuses to be caught up in.
‘You just have to be true to who you are, don’t get swept up in the hype and surround yourself with good people,’ he said of how he maintains his composure despite some of their outlandish remarks.
He’ll be hoping to let his fists do the talking instead – beginning against WBA mandatory Povetkin.
Watch the full feature on Lucozade Sport's YouTube channel. Find out more about Lucozade Sport’s Made to Move campaign and how to get involved in the B Active programme visit www.lrsuntory.com/bactive
Link articlehttps://hienalouca.com/2018/09/11/anthony-joshua-wary-of-alexander-povetkins-unbelievable-pedigree/
Main photo article Anthony Joshua may be gearing up for his bout with Alexander Povetkin but that hasn’t stopped the heavyweight champion of the world from taking time out of his schedule to inspire the next generation.
Joshua puts his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts on the line when he faces Povetkin at Wembley St...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/09/11/06/5004D19F00000578-0-image-a-1_1536642180683.jpg
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