Anthony Joshua reveals revealing career advice from Lennox Lewis before feud that inspired heavyweight rise

Lennox Lewis put Anthony Joshua on the path to professional boxing glory with some words of wisdom.

AJ accomplished almost everything he set out to accomplish in boxing, reigning as a two-time unified heavyweight champion of the world.

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The Brit has set himself for life by generating huge financial revenues and becoming a global superstar through his performances inside the squared circle.

Before embarking on his journey, Joshua met heavyweight legend Lewis who he said gave him great advice to guide his career.

He told Desert Island Discs: “I met Lennox Lewis. I sat down with him and he gave me some good advice.

“He told me ‘listen, don’t rush, start slowly 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 perfectly placed to advise the would-be Briton, who turned professional after winning a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Despite his seemingly perfect words, the former undisputed champion hasn’t always agreed with his fellow heavyweight.

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The retired champion criticized Joshua’s actions, first claiming AJ left him on reading after promising to guide his career.

He was later left disappointed after suggesting he had been “put off” from congratulating Joshua after his historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.

Lewis went on to criticize the 34-year-old over a number of key factors, including the failure of any potential undisputed fight with Deontay Wilder.

Their feud became public on social media after Joshua’s stunning upset loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

AJ was unhappy with Lewis’ criticism 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 in, and not get involved.

“Just to appreciate what it takes to get there.” Lennox is not like that. Lennox and I are made of different cloth.

The great boxer then replied: “Wow! He’s right! We ARE cut from a different cloth.

“Disappointed by AJ’s comments, but I understand that this ‘jealousy’ narrative was only fabricated AFTER I criticized them for the Wilder negotiations. All of a sudden I’m a hater.”

Their feud hasn’t resumed since, but the former Olympian is clearly grateful for the champion’s first words.

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