Lennox Lewis set Anthony Joshua on his way to professional boxing glory with some words of wisdom.
AJ has completed nearly everything he set out to achieve in boxing, reigning as a two-time unified heavyweight champion of the world.
The Briton has set himself up for life generating huge financial earnings and becoming a global superstar for his performances inside the squared circle.
Before setting out on his journey, Joshua met heavyweight legend Lewis who he has revealed gave him some strong advice to guide his career.
He said on Desert Island Discs: “I met Lennox Lewis. I sat with him and he gave me some sound advice.
“He was like ‘listen don’t rush, start off slow and don’t put too much pressure on yourself’.
“I was like ‘I want all the pressure, the iron is hot right now’. That was my mindset.
“I understand what he is saying, if you want to get where you are going, you will always get there but if you are inexperienced take your time.”
Lewis was in a perfect position to advise the eventual Briton, who had turned professional after picking up a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Despite his seemingly perfect words, the former undisputed champion hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with his fellow heavyweight.
The retired champion has been critical of Joshua’s actions, firstly claiming AJ left him on read after promising to mentor his career.
He was then disappointed after suggesting he was ‘brushed away’ from congratulating Joshua after his historic 2017 win over Wladimir Klitschko.
Lewis went on to criticise the 34-year-old over a number of key factors, including for the collapse of any potential undisputed fight with Deontay Wilder.
Their feud went public on social media after Joshua’s stunning upset defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
AJ was unhappy with criticism from Lewis, and said: “Lennox is a clown. I don’t respect Lennox. Me and Lennox are not the same.
“My legacy is to sit back and enjoy the younger generation coming up, and not to be involved.
“Just to appreciate what it takes to get there. Lennox isn’t like that. Me and Lennox are cut from a different cloth.”
The boxing great then responded: “Wow! He’s right! We ARE cut from a different cloth.
“Disappointed in AJ’s words but I understand that this ‘jealousy’ narrative was only fabricated AFTER I criticised them for Wilder negotiations. All of a sudden I’m a hater.”
Their feud hasn’t reignited since but the former Olympian is clearly grateful for the champion’s early words.
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News Summary:
- Anthony Joshua reveals telling career advice from Lennox Lewis before feud which inspired heavyweight rise
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