Anthony Joshua, the formidable British heavyweight boxer, has largely maintained a private stance on his romantic life, a stark contrast to his highly public career in the ring. Despite his global fame and significant public interest, Joshua has consistently prioritized discretion, revealing only glimpses into his relationships over the years. His romantic history, while not as extensively publicized as some celebrities, offers insights into his personal values and commitments, particularly concerning his family.
One of the most significant relationships in Anthony Joshua's life has been with Nicole Osbourne, a former school friend. Their relationship, which predates Joshua's rise to boxing superstardom, was kept largely out of the public eye. Nicole, a dance teacher, became a pivotal figure in his personal life, though the exact timeline of their on-again, off-again romance remains private. Their enduring connection is most notably marked by the birth of their son.
In October 2015, Joshua and Osbourne welcomed their son, Joseph Bayley Temiloluwa Prince Joshua, affectionately known as JJ. Despite the arrival of their child, the couple never married. Reports indicated that Joshua purchased a £500,000 flat in North London for Osbourne and their son, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and his role as a father. Their co-parenting relationship appears to be amicable and focused on their son's upbringing.
Following the birth of his son, Anthony Joshua's public statements often emphasized his dedication to fatherhood and his career, with less focus on romantic entanglements. He has been quoted discussing the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal relationships, suggesting that his demanding schedule often takes precedence. This commitment to his sport and family has been a consistent theme in his public persona.
Over the years, speculation about Anthony Joshua's romantic interests has occasionally surfaced, but he has rarely confirmed any relationships beyond his long-standing connection with Nicole Osbourne. He has been linked to various individuals in media reports, but these have largely remained unverified rumors, underscoring his preference for privacy. Joshua has consistently avoided using his relationships to generate media attention, preferring his achievements in boxing to speak for themselves.
In 2021, reports emerged suggesting that Joshua was single and focusing on his career and son. He openly discussed the difficulty of finding a partner who understands his lifestyle, stating, > "I don't have a girlfriend and I don't have many friends either. I'm a lone wolf. I'm not a loner, but I'm a lone wolf. I just like to be on my own." This statement highlighted his independent nature and the unique demands of his profession on his personal life.
More recently, Anthony Joshua has continued to maintain a highly private romantic life. While he occasionally shares glimpses of his son on social media, any current romantic partners are kept strictly out of the public domain. This consistent pattern suggests a deliberate choice to separate his private life from his public image as a world-class athlete. His focus remains squarely on his boxing career and his role as a devoted father to JJ, with his romantic relationships remaining a closely guarded aspect of his life.