Anthony Joshua is honored with Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in an investiture ceremony by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
The 29-year-old boxer has been previously awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) back in 2013, after winning a gold in the heavyweight boxing in London 2012 Olympics.
“An OBE is a Queen’s honor given to an individual for a major local role in any activity such as business, charity or the public sector.”
Dressed in black suit and grey trousers, Anthony Joshua was beamed with delight to receive the prestigious award from Prince of Wales on his visit to the Buckingham Palace.
While shaking hands, the pair were photographed in front of a packed audience.
Anthony Joshua retained his heavyweight title when he took on Alexander Povetkin back in September. There were reports that the champ was keen to fight Tyson Fury after the pair went to blows after the former’s fight with Povetkin.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn hopes to have his next contract signed off by early January but it is not clear who he will face after the controversial draw between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in Los Angeles.
Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora do battle on Saturday and the winner could fight Joshua while American heavyweight Jarrell Miller is also under consideration.
On the other hand when most people were applauding the champ, Fury raved on the social media saying, “Think it’s now safe to say AJ and his team are a pack of shithouses and will rob the British boxing fans of Britain’s biggest fight.”
Anthony Joshua stated, “As I’ve said, I’m willing to fight Deontay Wilder – April 13th in London,”
“So I don’t know what more I have to do to get that message across. He’s more interested in fighting Tyson Fury. Tyson Fury holds no world titles.
“Let me say this, I can’t control what Deontay Wilder does, I can’t control what Tyson Fury does – or even as far as what they say,” he said . “But what I can do is control what I say and what I’m doing. I made sure, with the negotiations, I’ve booked the date in advance, set the venue in advance, and I’m making my point clear in front of everyone watching.”
“I’m willing to fight any one of these guys, especially the champion Deontay Wilder, April 13th at Wembley. What more can I say?” he added.
