Unseen footage has emerged of Anthony Joshua’s first ever amateur fight, showcasing his impressive skills and a 30-second knockout victory. The fight took place in November 2008 when a 19-year-old Joshua represented Finchley Amateur Boxing Club at the Boston Arms pub.
At the time, Joshua was still relatively new to boxing, starting in his late teens. However, he quickly proved his talent and went on to achieve great success, winning an Olympic gold medal in London 2012 and becoming a two-time unified world champion as a professional.
In his debut fight, Joshua faced Nathan Brede, another teenager making his first appearance in the ring. Despite being outweighed by approximately 8kg and having a significant height disadvantage, Brede was undeterred and determined to take on the challenge.
Recalling the encounter, Brede said, I remember seeing him, he was this great big lump, but I still wanted to take the fight. I had traveled there, so I didn’t want to go home without boxing.
While preparing for the fight, Brede’s coaches mistakenly informed him that Joshua was a southpaw, leading to some confusion. However, they exchanged words before the bout, and when Brede revealed he was Joshua’s opponent, the size difference seemed to boost Joshua’s confidence.
The fight was over in a matter of seconds as Joshua knocked Brede down with a powerful jab within the first 20 seconds. Although Brede managed to get back on his feet, he was knocked down again soon after, prompting the referee to stop the contest after around 30 seconds.
While many fighters would have been relieved to spend such a short time in the ring with the formidable Joshua, Brede was left frustrated by the quick stoppage. I remember getting up from the first one, and I wasn’t hurt one bit, he said. The ref gave me an eight count and let us carry on. I was absolutely steaming with the stoppage. I wasn’t happy at all.
As time has passed, Joshua has solidified his legacy as one of Britain’s greatest heavyweight boxers. It is hoped that Brede has come to terms with the defeat and can appreciate sharing the ring with a future champion.
Anthony Joshua’s journey from his humble debut to becoming a household name is a testament to his determination and talent. The unseen footage serves as a reminder of his early accomplishments and how far he has come since that fateful night in 2008.
