Anthony Joshua’s journey from the streets of Watford to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing is deeply intertwined with his family’s influence. Born on October 15, 1989, in Hertfordshire, England, Joshua’s Nigerian heritage has been a significant force in molding his character and perseverance. With an impressive 28 professional victories, his career has faced challenges, including four defeats in his last ten bouts, yet his determination to stage a comeback remains unwavering.

Joshua’s upbringing was marked by the strength of his single mother, who raised him following her divorce when he was just 12. Despite the physical distance, his father continued to provide steadfast support. His close-knit family includes siblings and a cousin who serves as his bodyguard, ensuring a supportive network surrounds him.

His Nigerian-Yoruba lineage, particularly through his mother’s aristocratic side, plays a crucial role in shaping his dual British-Nigerian identity. This cultural heritage is highlighted by his shared childhood experiences in Nigeria and family stories he often shares on social media. As Joshua prepares to face Jake Paul, his personal life story goes beyond the boxing ring. It includes his role as a father to his son JJ and his loyalty to his family, who have witnessed both his 22-fight knockout streak and his resilience in adversity.

Anthony Joshua Parents: Yeta Odusanya Strength

Yeta Odusanya, Joshua’s mother, immigrated from Nigeria to the UK and was pivotal in his upbringing. After her separation from Robert Joshua when Anthony was 12, she became his unwavering support, working as a social worker in London. Joshua purchased a home for her in Golders Green, emphasizing their close bond with shared moments before his high-profile fights. He often speaks of her as his top priority, attributing his ability to fully care for her as a significant personal achievement, even preferring simple local charity events over exotic vacations.

Her experience as a single parent mirrored Joshua’s journey from playing football on Meriden Estate to discovering boxing at Finchley ABC at 18. Her Yoruba heritage, linked to his grandparents James A. Odusanya and Olufunmilayo Solanke, grants him a sense of noble lineage within their community. Despite the setbacks like his losses to Andy Ruiz Jr., her presence at ringside continues to inspire him, embodying the steadfast support that has been a constant through his career’s highs and lows.

Robert Joshua: Father Nigerian Roots Bond

Robert Joshua, Anthony’s father of Nigerian-Irish descent, remained a vital part of his life despite their separation. He moved back to Nigeria but continued to fuel Anthony’s competitive spirit. During a conversation with Bear Grylls, Joshua recounted his father’s relentless encouragement, affectionately referring to him as “Josh” or “Big Guy” for his indomitable spirit. His paternal roots are rooted in his grandparents, Isaac Joshua and Moya V. Harper, with his early years including time at a boarding school in Ikenne before returning to the UK for his education at Kings Langley.

Despite distance, Robert showed at 2019 Ruiz loss, clashing with promoters afterward; Joshua honors him publicly, blending British birth with African childhood. That heritage shines in his self-definition as British-Nigerian, linking fights to family endurance. Recent career dips haven’t severed ties—the old man remains integral, proving blood outlasts belts.​

Anthony Joshua Siblings: Janet Jacob Loretta Ties

Janet Joshua, eldest sister and mom of two, cheers quietly from fights, shunning spotlights for private life while backing her brother’s path. Jacob, the brother, raps as “Jacobtheplvg,” drops tracks, and hypes Anthony ringside, featured in social hangs with the crew. Loretta rounds the trio, all captured in throwback snaps dancing pre-social media, captioned “family over everything” by AJ.

They bond tight, supporting through Olympic glory to pro undefeated runs and later heartbreaks like Ruiz. Little public detail emerges—Janet stays low-key, Jacob pushes music, Loretta shadows strong—yet that unit bolsters the champ’s focus. Throwbacks show youthful unity, echoing now as he eyes relaunches; siblings provide the steady pulse amid boxing chaos.​

Ben Ileyemi: Joshua Cousin Boxing Spark

Ben Ileyemi, the cousin, sparked Anthony’s 2007 boxing entry at Finchley ABC, turning pro together in 2013 with two wins and a draw for Ben. Now bodyguard and confidant, he spars tough—like pre-Takam sessions—and sticks through highs like Klitschko wars or lows post-defeats.

That gym motivation persists, family pulling him from novice to silver at 2011 Worlds, then London Olympic gold. Ben embodies the inner circle transcending ropes, guarding during glory and spirals. Joshua’s nods highlight how such kin turned street kid into heavyweight force, their duo debut marking shared dreams realized—or adjusted.​

Joshua Son JJ: Fatherhood Life Shift

Joseph “JJ” Joshua arrived October 2015 via ex Nicole Osbourne, yoga instructor and high school link, in a Finchley penthouse AJ bought. Fatherhood flipped his view—”think future, better person”—keeping JJ media-free, prioritizing school over gloves. The kid inspires daily, amid Joshua’s dad duties blending with training camps.

Post-birth, mindset sharpened, fueling resilience through title losses; he shields that joy fiercely. One layer deeper in family web, JJ represents hope echoing louder than bells.​