Anthony Joshua’s incredible tattoo collection includes touching nod to African heritage and boxing Olympic gold medal

ANTHONY JOSHUA has certainly left his mark on plenty of opponents in the ring over the years.

But the former two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion has also got plenty of his own thanks to his personal collection of tattoos.

GettyAnthony Joshua is one of the most iconic sports starts in the world[/caption]

GettyThe Watford hero is a former heavyweight world champion[/caption]

And each inking reveals a deep and powerful message for the British boxing star.

SunSport runs through AJ’s tats and explains the meaning behind them.

GOLDEN MEMORY

Taking pride of place at the bottom of his neck is the Team GB lion emblem.

Joshua got it after representing his nation at the 2012 Olympics, when he won gold on home soil.

He battled back to beat reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy in the super-heavyweight category, making up a three-point deficit in the final round.

After his win, 6ft 6ins AJ told the BBC: “That medal represents my journey and the support from the team.

“It’s much more than just a gold medal, it’s a life experience and I’m just proud to have it round my neck.”

And the Team GB lion is a permanent reminder of that memorable gold medal.

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News Group Newspapers LtdJoshua won a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics[/caption]

PAAJ marked the occasion by getting the Team GB lion emblem on the bottom of his neck[/caption]

SEEKING WISDOM

AJ constantly wants to keep improving – in and out of the ring.

And therefore he holds the word “wisdom” close to his heart… and his shoulder.

Joshua has the six letters inked on his right shoulder to tell him each day there is an opportunity to learn from others.

AJ said: “I always seek wisdom and knowledge, like the wise men from the Italian films and [1986 film] Wise Guys, all that stuff.

“I’ve always sought it, so it had relevance and meaning to me.”

AFPJoshua says he ‘always seeks wisdom’ and can always find it on his right shoulder[/caption]

AFRICAN HERITAGE

Below the “wisdom” tattoo is his outline of the continent of Africa.

Africa has had a massive influence on Joshua’s life.

His dear mum Yeta Odusanya comes from Nigeria, while his paternal great-grandfather is considered one of the greatest men of the town of Sagamu.

As a result, AJ wanted to get the body artwork as a classy nod to his heritage – and opted for the map of the continent with Nigeria marked.

Reflecting on the Africa tattoo, he said: “I learned more about my family’s history and I ended up getting an Africa tattoo underneath it.

“It was a nice combination to have ‘Wisdom’ and your heritage tattooed underneath, so it went well.”

AJ then added regarding his Team GB logo: “I’ve actually got that tattooed on me as well in the middle of my neck.

“It’s shaped me in the sense that it’s been a blessing because I think I can talk to anyone – different backgrounds, cultures and religions because I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures.

“I think that’s a blessing that’s shaped me really well.”

RexThe outline of Africa takes its place on his shoulder with Nigeria marked out[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/Both of the boxer’s parents have Nigerian roots[/caption]

FOREST FINGER

Lastly, in 2019, AJ got a tattoo on the middle finger of his left hand to cover up some calluses picked up throughout his boxing career.

The fighter headed to the Southgate SG Tattoo shop in North London where owner Victor Tsyhanou designed and inked a lion’s head and a forest on the top of the finger.

He even used one of the calluses as the moon in a genius way of using the battle scars for good.

AJ said the finished product was “perfect” as he thanked the tattoo artist.

The Southgate parlour said on Instagram: “It was an honour to tattoo the champ, Anthony Joshua. Thank you for trusting us.”

Southgate SG TattooJoshua wanted a tattoo on his middle finger to cover up his calluses[/caption]

Southgate SG TattooThe lion and forest make an intricate design[/caption]

Southgate SG TattooAJ described the tattoo as ‘perfect’[/caption]