Anthony Joshua Under Fire: Shocking Claims of Rigged Fights Leave Fans Demanding Answers!
Anthony Joshua has long been regarded as one of the most dominant and marketable heavyweights of his generation. A two-time world champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of Britain’s biggest sports stars, Joshua’s career has been built on a foundation of discipline, power, and resilience. But in recent months, shocking allegations have surfaced that threaten to tarnish his reputation and shake the credibility of the sport—claims that some of his fights may have been rigged.
As whispers turn into loud accusations, fans and analysts alike are demanding answers. Is there any truth to the claims, or is Joshua simply the latest target in an era of controversial boxing politics? Let’s dive deep into the scandal, the accusations, and the impact these claims could have on Joshua’s legacy and future in boxing.
The Allegations: Is Boxing’s Golden Boy Protected?
Rumors of rigged fights in boxing are nothing new, but when they involve a fighter as high-profile as Anthony Joshua, they command global attention.
The controversy first ignited when certain insiders and former industry figures suggested that Joshua’s fights may have been strategically influenced to protect his unbeaten streak and maximize his commercial value. Some of the key allegations include:
- Suspicious stoppages in early fights: Critics argue that some of Joshua’s early professional victories came against opponents who didn’t seem to put up a real fight, leading to speculation that matchups were carefully curated to build his record and brand.
- Referee interventions in key fights: Certain fights, particularly his win over Carlos Takam in 2017, raised eyebrows when the referee stopped the bout despite Takam still being able to fight. Many fans at the time accused officials of favoring Joshua to ensure he retained his belts.
- Rumors of unfair judging: Some claim that Joshua has received favorable scorecards in close fights, ensuring he walked away with victories that could have gone either way. The Joseph Parker fight in 2018 is often cited as an example, where Joshua won by unanimous decision despite a relatively competitive bout.
- Negotiation control: There have also been claims that Joshua’s team, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, has carefully controlled fight negotiations to avoid certain risky opponents at critical moments in his career.
While none of these allegations have been proven, the mere existence of such rumors has cast a shadow over Joshua’s biggest triumphs.
Breaking Down the Most Controversial Fighting
1. Carlos Takam (2017): A Premature Stoppage?
When Joshua faced Carlos Takam in 2017, many expected an exciting contest. While Joshua ultimately won via 10th-round TKO, the stoppage by the referee sparked outrage.
- Takam, though visibly hurt, was still defending himself and fighting back.
- The referee’s decision to wave off the fight seemed premature, leading many to question whether there was an agenda to protect Joshua’s unbeaten record.
At the time, boxing pundits like Teddy Atlas and Carl Froch criticized the stoppage, calling it unfair to Takam and suspiciously timed.
2. Joseph Parker (2018): A Gifted Victory?
Joshua’s 2018 fight against Joseph Parker was meant to be one of the biggest challenges of his career. But instead of a brutal war, the fight ended in a lackluster unanimous decision win for Joshua.
Key controversies:
- The referee constantly interfered whenever Parker tried to fight on the inside, limiting his offensive opportunities.
- Many fans believed the fight was closer than the scorecards reflected (118-110, 118-110, 119-109 for Joshua).
- Parker himself expressed frustration, believing he wasn’t given a fair chance.
The result only fueled speculation that Joshua was being protected from tough losses.
3. Andy Ruiz Jr. (2019): The Rematch Conspiracy
Joshua’s shocking first loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 shook the boxing world. But when he avenged the loss in a rematch later that year, new conspiracy theories emerged.
- Ruiz came in significantly overweight, leading many to speculate whether he was “paid off” or “distracted” to ensure Joshua reclaimed his titles.
- Ruiz later admitted that he didn’t train seriously for the fight, which led some to question whether external forces played a role in his preparation—or lack thereof.
- Joshua fought a completely different style, outboxing Ruiz from a distance, but skeptics claimed it was “too perfect of a script” for his redemption arc.
Although Joshua clearly deserved the win, doubt lingered over whether the rematch was truly a fair fight.
Eddie Hearn’s Influence: Does matchroom boxing control the narrative?
One of the biggest reasons the allegations against Joshua hold weight is because of the power and influence of his promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Matchroom Boxing, led by Hearn, has long been accused of:
- Handpicking opponents to build their fighters’ records
- Using influence to sway judges and referees
- Negotiating contracts that favor their fighters unfairly
Hearn has always defended Joshua, calling the allegations “ridiculous,” but the criticism remains. Many believe that as long as Joshua remains a cash cow for the sport, he will continue to receive favorable treatment.
The Fan Backlash: Losing Trust in the System
Boxing fans are among the most passionate in sports, and they do not take corruption lightly.
- In online forums and social media, Joshua has faced heavy criticism from fans who feel his career has been too carefully manufactured.
- Polls conducted on boxing websites have shown that many fans believe Joshua has received “preferential treatment” at key moments in his career.
- Joshua’s rival, Tyson Fury, has also hinted at “business corruption” in boxing, though he has never directly accused Joshua of benefiting from it.
Despite this backlash, Joshua remains one of the biggest names in the sport. But can he prove his doubters wrong?
Can Joshua overcome the controversy?
For Joshua to silence critics, he needs to
- Take on all challengers. Avoid carefully picked fights and face the toughest heavyweights available, such as Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
- Win in dominant fashion: A knockout win over a top opponent would eliminate doubts about judging favoritism.
- Address the allegations directly. Instead of ignoring the rumors, Joshua could openly discuss them and prove his fights are fair and legitimate.
Final Thoughts: Is Joshua’s Legacy at Risk?
Anthony Joshua remains one of the most accomplished heavyweights of his era, but the claims of rigged fights and favoritism threaten to overshadow his achievements.
While no official evidence exists to confirm these allegations, the fact that they persist suggests deep-rooted issues within boxing itself.
Joshua now faces one of the biggest fights of his career—not in the ring, but against the perception of corruption.
Only time will tell whether he emerges victorious or if his reputation takes a permanent hit
