Anthony Joshua warns about dangers of boxing after tragic death of Japanese star Kazuki Anaguchi at just 23

ANTHONY JOSHUA has opened up about the dangers of boxing, reflecting on the tragic death of young bantamweight Kazuki Anaguchi.

Joshua, 34, is set to face UFC icon Francis Ngannou on Friday.

GettyAnthony Joshua has opened up about the dangers of boxing[/caption]

GettyAJ is set to fight Francis Ngannou on Friday[/caption]

The British heavyweight will be looking to continue his impressive run of form following wins against Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin.

But he is not taking his position for granted.

AJ exclusively told SunSport: “Still in it to win it. I enjoy it. I enjoy this sport a lot, not just for what all this stuff is but for the lifestyle it brings me, the mentality it’s shaped for me.

 “If I weren’t boxing I’d be quarter of the man I am, it’s made me really astute, intelligent, built my character, strong minded, strong-willed, it’s really helped me.

 “So yeah, I will continue to do it for as long as possible because it’s a massive part of my identity, not boxing but for what it brings to me.”

Despite his success at the highest level, Joshua still remains mindful of the risks that come with boxing.

He continued: “It doesn’t take a lot out of me, it don’t, I promise you.

 “That guy died the other day, the Japanese boxer (Anaguchi). Somewhere in Asia, he died. It can happen, it can happen to the best of us.

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 “Health is important in this sport but that’s why you’ve got to train hard, that’s why you’ve got to train smart.

 “We spar a lot, that’s why you’ve got to be good, if you’re not good enough you shouldn’t do it because it’s so detrimental to your health.”

Anaguchi passed away at the beginning of February at the age of 23, just over one month after suffering a brain injury.

The Japanese bantamweight suffered a subdural hematoma during his fight against Seiya Tsutsumi on December 26 and was immediately rushed to hospital.

He underwent emergency surgery but was unable to recover from his injuries.

Ben Davison, AJ’s new trainer, has urged the Brit to respect Ngannou in the ring despite his lack of boxing experience.

He told Sky Sports: “Treat him with the respect. Let’s not lose the sight of it. He had a split-decision loss to Tyson (Fury). Straightaway that puts him up among people that have really struggled with Tyson.

“He showed composure, he showed patience, which are all things which become a threat when you can punch like that.

“I think it’s easier to deal with a puncher when they’re a little bit reckless, a bit gung ho. They’re the novicey side of his game that we thought we would see – a lack of patience, a lack of composure. But those are things that he’s shown. So we’re treating him like a world-class heavyweight.”

Ngannou suffered a controversial points defeat to Tyson Fury in October despite knocking the Gypsy King down.

Kazuki Anaguchi tragically died last month after suffering a brain injury during a fightRex