A Closer Look at Anthony Joshua’s Son JJ: Life Beyond the Ring

Anthony Joshua and his son JJ in May 2021.
Credit:

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Professional boxer Anthony Joshua is a father to one child, son Joseph ‘JJ’ Joshua.
• The two-time unified heavyweight world champion welcomed JJ with Nicole Osbourne in October 2015.
• Joshua has previously shared moments of him and his son riding bikes, swimming, and playing together.

While Anthony Joshua is known for his fierce competitiveness in the ring, his life as a father to Joseph ‘JJ’ Joshua reflects a different side. The British boxer welcomed his son in 2015 with ex-girlfriend Nicole Osbourne. As Joshua prepares for a high-profile match against Jake Paul on December 19, he balances his public persona with his role as a devoted parent.

Despite keeping many aspects of his personal life private, Joshua frequently shares glimpses of his relationship with JJ through social media. The boxer highlights their shared experiences during holidays, swimming, and engaging in recreational activities. Joshua has also expressed how becoming a father has influenced his outlook on life.

“Boxing gave me belief in myself. What has changed by having my son is that now I think about the future – the pitfalls of life, what I’ve seen, how to be a better man,” he stated in a 2018 interview with GQ.

Joseph Joshua: Born in 2015

Anthony Joshua with his father and his son JJ in April 2018.

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua/Instagram

Joshua became a father at the young age of 25 when JJ, whose full name is Joseph Bayley Temiloluwa Prince Joshua, was born. He co-parents JJ with Osbourne, who is a dance teacher and yoga instructor.

Father-Son Appearances

Anthony Joshua with his son JJ in April 2018.

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua/Instagram

Although Joshua primarily keeps JJ out of the public eye, he has included him in several unique experiences. In 2018, they participated in a playful photoshoot for GQ, featuring outdoor activities and candid moments shared between father and son. Three years later, they collaborated with Hugo Boss for a Father’s Day campaign, where they spoke about their favorite shared experiences.

In the campaign, Joshua reflected, “As I learn how to be a better father, there are certain things he does that make me laugh. I pick up on little things that he’s learning from his environment, and it’s just cool watching him grow.”

He mentioned that he cherishes moments spent in close contact with JJ, such as “getting a little cuddle” and nurturing their bond. Joshua expressed his desire for his son to explore his identity and capabilities while developing a strong connection with him.

Keeping Boxing Separate

Anthony Joshua and son JJ in January 2018.

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua/Instagram

Despite his status as a leading figure in professional boxing, Joshua prefers not to discuss his fights with JJ. “I talk to him about confidence, but I don’t really go into detail about my career,” he explained. “If I was to get into specifics about a fight, he’d probably say, ‘Shut up, Dad.’”

Joshua emphasized that he maintains a clear boundary between his professional life and family life. “If I’m honest, we don’t discuss fights at home. We talk about school subjects like maths and life’s purpose,” he said.

A Different Path for JJ

Anthony Joshua and his son JJ in June 2020.

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua/Instagram

Joshua has also made it clear that he does not wish for JJ to follow in his boxing footsteps. “No, it’s too hard. It’s a dangerous sport. I want my son to be the best man he can be, but I don’t want him to be compared to me,” he explained in a previous interview.

He emphasized the challenges of boxing, stating, “You’re not going to be a boxing star without going through heaps of pain.” Joshua noted that his own background influenced his instincts in the sport, but he questions whether JJ possesses the same drive.

In a recent interview, he reiterated the importance of keeping boxing away from family discussions, encouraging JJ to pursue his own path. “If I were to choose a career for him, I’d suggest looking into accountancy because it’s beneficial to understand numbers,” he stated.