AS a two-time heavyweight world champion, boxer Anthony Joshua has faced some tough battles in the ring — but none compares to the grilling he got from one nine-year-old fan.
The sporting icon agreed to be interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week Junior.
Mark Robinson for The Week JuniorAnthony Joshua was interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week Junior[/caption]
GettyAJ confessed he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxer[/caption]
GettyAnthony Joshua lands a punch on Francis Ngannou during their contest in March[/caption]
GettyAnthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko in 2017[/caption]
Young reporter Josie, above, quizzed the 34-year-old on a range of topics when they went head to head for the on-camera chat at Finchley Boxing Club in North London, where Anthony used to train as an amateur.
The ring legend, who knocked out Francis Ngannou inside two rounds last month, told how he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxer.
And he revealed his favourite film is — unsurprisingly — Rocky.
‘I have no fear’
But he admitted he has never seen Margot Robbie’s Barbie blockbuster.
The dad to son JJ, eight, said: “There’s two jobs I like. One would be a bricklayer, because I like building and would always like to make my house bigger. I think everyone wants a bigger house.
My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero.
Anthony Joshua
“I’d probably like to be an accountant. Do you know an accountant is someone who counts everyone’s money? So I’m in control of the piggy bank.”
He added: “I haven’t actually seen the Barbie film or the Wonka film.
“My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero. It’s a really good story about a guy who becomes a famous boxer.”
Armed with a notebook and pen, Josie, from Kenley, Surrey, also asked: “What’s your biggest fear?”
Anthony boldly replied: “I don’t have a biggest fear as I have a very positive mind and everything’s fun. Every day is a blessing. So I have no fear.”
The boxer also explained that his favourite subject at school was PE. And he offered some tips on how to handle playground bullies.
He said: “If I saw someone getting bullied, I would try and protect them because I don’t think getting bullied is nice. I don’t like bullies.
“The best thing you can do is go and find your teacher to let them make sure that they take care of the student.
“So I’d try and make sure that they’re protected first. And then I’d try and find a teacher as soon as possible.”
Award-winning The Week Junior, aimed at children aged eight to 14, will feature the boxing champ as its cover star in its latest issue, out tomorrow.
I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.
Josie Bell, The Week Junior
After his interview, Anthony told The Sun: “I knew Josie was going to ask me some seriously tough questions, but I was prepared.
“Move over Piers Morgan, there is a new kid on the block.
“I really enjoyed hearing from the kids at The Week Junior.”
Delighted Josie said of her big assignment: “Anthony was super kind. He answered all my questions.
“I was a bit nervous but he helped me loads.
“I want to interview more mas- sive stars.”
She added: “I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.”
GettyThe ring legend told how he would have loved to be a bricklayer[/caption]
Mark Robinson for The Week JuniorAJ on the cover of The Week Junior[/caption]