The upcoming showdown between two-time Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou has captured the attention of fans worldwide, but a recent interview with Joshua delved into a more personal aspect of his life: his living situation. In a surprising revelation, the 34-year-old boxer confessed that he still resides with his mother, highlighting the importance of family time amidst his demanding training schedule.
Despite his fierce reputation inside the ring, Joshua’s decision to live with his mother at the age of 34 showcases a softer, more empathetic side to the boxing champion. In an era where independence is often equated with success, Joshua challenges societal norms by prioritizing family over solitude. His willingness to openly express his affection for his mother resonates with fans, humanizing the larger-than-life athlete.
During an appearance on the Good Morning Britain show, Joshua articulated his reasoning behind his living arrangement, explaining, “I realized that when I started training, I train away from home a lot. So if I’m away from home, for like let’s say 10 months of the year, and then when I get back, I’ve got to do commercial work. I realized that if I was to move out, I’d never actually see my mom. I’d never actually see any of my family.”
“I realized that when I started training, I train away from home a lot. So if I’m away from home, for like let’s say 10 months of the year, and then when I get back, I’ve got to do commercial work. I realized that if I was to move out, I’d never actually see my mom. I’d never actually see any of my family.”
For Joshua, family serves as the cornerstone of his life, providing stability and support amidst the whirlwind of his boxing career. His decision to remain close to his mother reflects a deep-rooted cultural tradition, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds in his upbringing. Despite his success and fame, Joshua remains grounded in his roots, finding solace and comfort in the familiar surroundings of home.
In a previous BBC interview, Joshua had already touched upon his living situation, citing cultural norms and familial responsibilities as driving factors behind his choice. He adamantly declared, “When a girl gets with me, she ain’t just marrying me, she’s marrying my family. I still live with my mum. In our culture, we grew up in our own family home. We support our parents. Why am I going to move out and leave my mum by herself, for some girl?”
Furthermore, he continued, “So being at home with Mom when I get back, so obviously, throughout the year I’m away in different parts of the world, I got places where I can stay, but my actual base my home is with mom. So I can still wake up and see her and spend time with her when I can.”