World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
He currently holds WBA, IBF and WBO titles after winning his March unification clash with Joseph Parker and was honoured for his services to boxing.
This is the latest accolade for the 28-year-old Joshua, who was rewarded with an MBE in 2013 after claiming an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games.
Joshua hopes to face WBC champion Deontay Wilder, with all the major belts at stake, but admits negotiations must remain ‘realistic’.
“Everyone has seen the gold at the end of the rainbow, and everyone wants a piece,” he told Sky Sports this week. “It’s not a problem, there’s enough in the pot for everyone to eat, but just be realistic and that’s all it is.”
A WBA mandatory title defence against Alexander Povetkin could firstly take place in September, if the Wilder fight cannot be agreed for this year.”
