Anthony Joshua: British Olympic champion turns pro

Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua will make his professional debut on 5 October after finally announcing his decision to turn his back on the amateur code.
Anthony Joshua: Olympic gold. Picture: PAAnthony Joshua: Olympic gold. Picture: PA
Anthony Joshua: Olympic gold. Picture: PA

Joshua has signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom organisation and will have his first paid outing at London’s O2 Arena.

Matchroom confirmed the details in a statement that read: “Anthony Joshua MBE has signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom Sport and will make his debut at the O2 in London on 5 October, live on Sky Sports.”

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Joshua has not fought since his countback win over Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle on the final day of last summer’s Games.

Joshua tweeted today: “I’d like 2 thank Finchley ABC & I’d also like to thank @gbboxing for everything they have done for me. The time is upon us!”

The British Amateur Boxing Association said in a statement: “[Baba] has confirmed that the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist, Anthony Joshua MBE, will not be part of the GB Boxing squad in the 2013-17 Rio cycle.

“His contract with the Baba finished at the end of the 2009-2013 London Olympic cycle and he has now left the World Class Performance Programme to pursue other opportunities.”

Great Britain performance director Rob McCracken said: “Anthony is a very talented sportsman who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become Olympic champion, less than four years after he first began boxing.

“Naturally, it is a disappointment for us that Anthony has decided his future lies away from the GB Boxing programme, but he departs with our very best regards and we wish him every success in his future career.”