Anthony Joshua tells students to work hard and 'be brave' as he visits west London school after Andy Ruiz victory

The 30-year-old two-time heavyweight champion visited the Bolder Academy in Isleworth, where he spoke about overcoming defeat
Anthony Joshua told them 'work hard, be brave, be strong and be resilient'
Steven Paston/PA
Ted Hennessey17 December 2019

Anthony Joshua today delivered an inspiring message to school pupils in London less than two weeks after he reclaimed his heavyweight title against Andy Ruiz Jr.

The 30-year-old visited Bolder Academy in Isleworth, where he recalled his first professional boxing defeat to the American fighter in New York, in June.

After entering to cheers from year 8 pupils, he said: “I came last in my competition and I had to be brave, I had to accept what happened, and face the world. You can’t hold it in, and then you have the experience to look back on.

“Most of all you’ve got to work hard, be brave, be strong and be resilient.”

Anthony Joshua answered questions from the pupils about his boxing career
Steven Paston/PA

Watford-born Joshua told the students how he avenged that defeat in a rematch in Saudi Arabia on December 7.

He added: “I wanted to be brave enough and strong enough to show I can come back and win my belts back, it’s not exciting being a loser. That’s exactly why I wanted to fight Ruiz again.”

One student asked Joshua if he would ever fight Tyson Fury or hard-hitting Deontay Wilder, to which he replied: “Absolutely, who wants to see that fight?”.

The two-time champion was then swarmed by the pupils who chanted “Oh Anthony Joshua” as they queued for autographs.

Bailey Elliman, 12, a boxer himself, said: “I was so excited, he’s an inspiration, and he’s someone I watch and study all the time.

“He told us to work hard, be respectful and never give up, and that’s something I want to do to succeed.”

Anthony Joshua with boxer Bailey Elliman, 12 (Steven Paston/PA )
Steven Paston/PA

The headteacher, Heidi Swidenbank, said: “It’s been absolutely phenomenal to have Anthony Joshua visit the school and tell his story.

“He promoted the school values of kindness, strength and bravery and shared amazing words of wisdom.”

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