Anthony Joshua’s first appearance in the boxing ring was the last for his debut adversary.
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has changed lives, as well as his own, in and out of the ring. He’s cemented himself as an all-time great, despite recent losses to titleholders Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua’s ‘rags to riches’ path has featured plenty of ups and downs. In 2013, Joshua decided to take a leap of faith and make his professional boxing debut, where he met Italy’s Emanuele Leo.
The then 23-year-old Joshua needed just under three minutes to collapse Leo inside the ring. He knocked out Leo in front of a worldwide audience, cementing himself as at the time the next big thing in heavyweight boxing.
For Joshua, it was a passing of the torch of sorts against Leo, as he went on to win multiple heavyweight championships and become a boxing phenomenon. For Leo, it was a moment of self-reflection as to whether or not he should continue fighting or pursue another avenue of happiness and success.
Emanuele Leo turned in boxing gloves for a steelworker job after facing Anthony Joshua
In an interview with Sky Sports, Leo explained how his clash with Joshua led to him choosing another path.
“When they told me about Joshua and The O2, I said yes, but in truth I was asking myself who is he? And where is it?” Leo said of Joshua. “I got to London and met Anthony, a really polite and gentle guy, but he had a host of professionals following him, including fitness coaches, masseurs, trainers. I didn’t enjoy the financial security that would allow me to train only.
“I started boxing late and progressed very quickly, but I burned out in the last stage of my journey, as I finally understood the massive difference between boxing in Italy and in the rest of the world. Now I’m a steelworker and I’m in love, I feel good and I’m sure I can do better.” (h/t talkSPORT)
Leo retired with an 8-1-0 professional boxing record. Before the loss to Joshua, Leo won his first eight professional fights and was a force on the Italian regional scene.
- READ MORE: ‘It’s strange times’…Heavyweight champ justifies Jake Paul callout following Mike Tyson win
Anthony Joshua looks to bounce back from Daniel Dubois loss
After dismantling Leo, Joshua won his next 21 professional fights before a stunning knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. He’s earned wins over the likes of former UFC champ Francis Ngannou, Robert Helenius, and Joseph Parker during his career.
Next, Joshua could potentially face a rematch with Dubois as he looks to become a heavyweight boxing champion again. Dubois defeated him by fifth-round knockout in September, snapping a four-fight winning streak.
At 35 years old, Joshua could potentially be on the tail-end of his professional boxing career. As he looks to rally from the devastating loss to Dubois, Joshua will look to reclaim the magic he showcased against Leo in 2013.