Boxing News Boxing News
After months of constant speculation within both trade and national press, it has finally been announced that Anthony Joshua, who clinched the 29th and final British Gold Medal at the London Olympics last summer by defeating the 2008 Beijing Super Heavyweight Gold Medallist Roberto Cammarelle on count back, has turned professional after just 43 amateur bouts.
The 23 year old Londoner, who stands 6ft 6 inches tall, has signed on the dotted line with the Matchroom Sports Organisation, which is headed by Eddie Hearn.
Joshua joins his British Olympic teammates and fellow Olympic medallists Thomas Stalker and Luke Campbell within the Matchroom stable, who have turned over along with Middleweight Anthony Ogogo.
While the Lowestoft born Ogogo has chosen to sign with the American promoter and ten-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions organisation, he recently featured in Matchroom’s recent big night of British boxing which featured Campbell’s professional debut at the home ground of Hull Kingston Rovers Craven Park ground.
It has been announced that Joshua would feature on a major Matchroom promotion on the 5th October, in which he will engage in a six round contest in against a yet to be announced opponent and will remain in London as he will be trained by Tony Sims, who also trains Matchroom’s Middleweight attraction Darren Barker.
Joshua’s debut, which will take place at the O2 Arena, will also see Welsh Featherweight star Lee Selby attempt to claim a Lonsdale belt for keeps against Ryan Walsh.
Also on the bill, established London favourite and former British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight king Kevin Mitchell appears to be pitched in an interesting trade match up against another former British 9stone 4lbs king in Gary Sykes.
But it is shall be an Olympian that will attract all the headlines come first bell in the shape of Anthony Joshua.
