• Heavyweight

Joshua: Amateur days are behind me now

ESPN staff
December 3, 2013
Anthony Joshua has shown impressive signs since turning professional - but wants to carry on improving © Getty Images
Enlarge

Anthony Joshua is fully focussed ahead of his fourth fight as a professional, when he takes on Dorian Darch at London's ExCel Arena on December 14.

Joshua was due to fight on the undercard of Carl Froch's controversial win over George Groves, but was forced to withdraw after suffering a bicep injury.

Risk v Reward: It's hard to win on the road

Adonis Stevenson beat Tony Bellew in Canada © AP
  • Last Saturday in Quebec Tony Bellew from Liverpool was paid well but discovered just how painful it can be to try and win a world title in the champion's backyard.
  • Read more of Steve Bunce's thoughts here.

Now the British heavyweight will return to the scene of his Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal win in order to fight Darch - but the 24-year-old is adamant he has left his amateur days behind.

"I'm at the start of a fresh new chapter. The Olympics was amazing but it's in the past," Joshua told Sky Sports. "I am loving life in the pro ranks and learning every day.

"Dorian is a tough test for just my fourth fight and he'll want to make a name for himself, as all my opponents do. I am grounded, I am focused and I am taking every fight very seriously.

"It's vital that I keep winning and keep learning because one lapse of concentration in the ring could be disastrous."

Joshua has enjoyed a strong start to his professional career, winning all three of his fights to date by technical knockout. He saw off Emanuele Leo in the first round on his debut before going on to enjoy triumphs over Paul Butlin and Hrvoje Kisicek.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices