Anthony Joshua has revealed he is escalating a plan to invest in a care home for retired boxers.
AJ has become a huge influence inside and outside of the boxing ring, rising to become a global superstar.
Boxers are often subject to several medical conditions following their careers in the ring, particularly including the development of CTE [chronic traumatic brain injury]
“They suffer by themselves, so we’ve been speaking about opening up a care home,” Joshua said on Desert Island Discs.
“That would be part of my boxing legacy – that I gave something back to the sport that made me.
“The one thing I would hope for is to keep my health intact.
“Because it’s your health that is the most important thing you’re putting on the line.
“We can notice it in fighters when their health is deteriorating, but we never actually talk about it among ourselves. All we focus on is winning.”
20 per cent of professional boxers have developed CTE, which is a serious issue which faces significant medical care in the future.
A Cardiff University study showed boxers are also at greater risk of develop early-onset dementia, and on average five years earlier than those who have never boxed.
Aftercare for fighters is often limited for both physical and mental health, with many feeling they must climb back into the ring at dangerous ages.
Concerns have been raised over heavyweight legend Mike Tyson returning at the age of 58.
Evander Holyfield was knocked out in the first round of his disastrous comeback exhibition, which also lead to justifiable health concerns.
Of course boxers are aware they are putting their health on the line, and Joshua previously admitted he knows it could be detrimental to his health.
He said: “If I weren’t boxing I’d be quarter of the man I am, it’s made me really astute, intelligent, built my character, strong minded, strong-willed, it’s really helped me.
“It doesn’t take a lot out of me, it don’t, I promise you. Health is important in this sport but that’s why you’ve got to train hard, that’s why you’ve got to train smart.
“We spar a lot, that’s why you’ve got to be good, if you’re not good enough you shouldn’t do it because it’s so detrimental to your health.”
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News Summary:
- Anthony Joshua in talks to open care home for retired boxers amid long-term health concerns
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