Anthony Joshua has hit back strongly at those that criticised the speech he gave during the Black Lives Matter protest on Saturday in Watford.
The unified heavyweight champion was part of the march and park gathering in his hometown, Watford, where he was seen wearing leg brace and walking with crutches.
Joshua picked up the microphone and talked at length at the park gathering.
Initially, AJ read out a speech from someone who was unable to make it to the protest venue to say his opinion.
He proceeded by talking to a Watford councillor about getting a platform to advance the discussion.
An extract of the initial speech he gave was misconceived and posted on social media on Saturday evening, where Joshua read out: “Show them where it hurts.
“Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.”
While responding to the backlash on Sunday evening on Social media, Joshua wrote: “If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself!
“If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead.
“I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community.
“Shops aren’t the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism.”
In an earlier statement issued on Sunday, Joshua responded to other criticisms in respect of social distancing at the event.
He said: “I understand the concerns in regards to social distancing.
“However I hope those who are complaining about social distancing have the same energy about those gathering for a day at the beach [and] those going to the park for a picnic.”
While talking about his injury, he said: “Respect for the supporters concerned about my leg.
“I buss my knee running miles in the woods.
“Doc said take all weight off it for two/three weeks.
“Still training, still active, still punching. Two weeks to [go], then it’s off.”
