Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Gold medallist to see out GB contract
London 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion Anthony
Joshua has told WBN that he is committed to seeing out the remainder of his GB
boxing contract, but remains coy on his longer-term future as talk of a pro run
intensifies.
The Watford fighter became hot property to the world’s
biggest promotional companies when he bulldozed his way to gold at the recent
games and at 22, has the potential to be the next heavyweight superstar in the
sport.
Joshua is biding his time before making a formal decision on
his career and now that he has tasted success at the highest level, is looking
to continue his winning form after his breakout performance last month.
“You know what, I feel good, but hungry for more,” Joshua
told World Boxing News.
“Winning the medal was amazing but I’m ready to get back in
the gym and it’s just made me even hungrier for success. I hate losing and I was not prepared to lose
at the games and I’m not prepared to lose in the future. What I achieved was great for the country and for my family.
Being part of Team GB and achieving what we did was a special experience that I
will never forget.”
Media speculation has
hit fever pitch since Joshua’s exploits, but the Londoner is unfazed as
pressure mounts on him to make his move into the paid ranks and breathe some life into a dormant division.
“All the talk is fine, it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I
guess it just comes with the territory you know. I still have so much to learn.
Time is what I need right now and I intend to give myself enough to learn and
improve.”
Asked whether he would be looking to learn from obvious
mistakes made by Britian’s last 91kg+ champion Audley Harrison, Joshua replied:
“Not really no. Audley did what was right for him and I will do what I think is
best for me and my career. There is no
need to rush anything I am still young and have only had 43 amateur fights.
“I have definitely thought about (defending my title in 2016
at the Rio games). The possibility of
being a double Olympic champion is pretty amazing. I would still only be 26 by that time, but then
again, four years is a long time.
“I am just relaxing at the moment and not letting it take up
too much of my thinking time.
“There have been no offers to turn professional and I have
people around me who help me deal with that sort of thing anyway.
“A decision has been made and I will definitely be staying
amateur until the end of my GB contract and after that, I will sit down with my
family, coaches and team to discuss the possibility of extending that contract.”