Anthony Joshua in talks to open retirement home for retired boxers amid long-term health concerns

Anthony Joshua has revealed he is stepping up plans to invest in a retirement home for retired boxers.

AJ became a huge influence inside and outside of the boxing ring, becoming a global superstar.

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Boxers are often subject to several pathologies following their career in the ring, including the development of CTE (chronic head trauma).

“They’re suffering on their own, so we talked about opening a nursing home,” Joshua told Desert Island Discs.

“It would be part of my boxing legacy: I would give something back to the sport that made me.

“The only thing I hope for is to keep my health intact.

“Because your health is the most important thing you put on the line.

“We can see it in fighters when their health deteriorates, but we never talk about it among ourselves. We only focus on winning.”

20 percent of professional boxers have developed CTE, a serious problem that will require significant medical attention in the future.

A Cardiff University study showed that boxers are also at greater risk of developing early-onset dementia, and on average five years earlier than those who have never boxed.

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Monitoring of fighters is often limited, both in terms of physical and mental health, and many feel that they must return to the ring at dangerous ages.

Concerns have been raised over heavyweight legend Mike Tyson’s comeback at the age of 58.

Evander Holyfield was knocked out in the first round of his disastrous comeback, which also led to some justified health issues.

Of course, boxers are aware that they are putting their health on the line, and Joshua has previously admitted that he knew it could harm his health.

He said: “If I didn’t box I’d be a quarter of the man I am, it’s made me really astute, intelligent, built my character, I’ve got a strong mind, a strong will , this really helped me.

“It doesn’t take much away from me, no, I promise you. Health is important in this sport but that’s why you have to train hard, that’s why you have to train smart.

“We train a lot, that’s what you have to be good at, if you’re not good enough you shouldn’t be doing it because it’s so detrimental to your health.”

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