Anthony Joshua is one of the most iconic sports starts in the world.

The Watford hero was once the world heavyweight champion.Regards: Getty

Additionally, every tattoo conveys a profound and potent message for the British boxing celebrity.

SunSport goes over AJ’s tattoos and clarifies their significance.

GOLDEN MEMORY

The lion insignia of Team GB is prominently displayed at the nape of his neck.

Joshua understood it after winning gold on home soil while competing for his country in the 2012 Olympics.

In the super-heavyweight class, he rallied to defeat the Italian champion Roberto Cammarelle, overcoming a three-point disadvantage in the last round.

The 6-foot-6-inch AJ told the BBC following his victory, “That medal represents my journey and the support from the team.”

“I’m just proud to have it around my neck; it’s much more than just a gold medal—it’s a life experience.”

Additionally, the Team GB lion serves as a constant reminder of that exceptional gold medal.

Joshua won a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

AJ marked the occasion by getting the Team GB lion emblem on the bottom of his neck.

AJ constantly wants to keep improving – in and out of the ring.

And therefore he holds the word “wisdom” close to his heart… and his shoulder.

Joshua has the six letters inked on his right shoulder to tell him each day there is an opportunity to learn from others.

AJ said: “I always seek wisdom and knowledge, like the wise men from the Italian films and [1986 film] Wise Guys, all that stuff.

“I’ve always sought it, so it had relevance and meaning to me.”

Joshua says he ‘always seeks wisdom’ and can always find it on his right shoulder.

Below the “wisdom” tattoo is his outline of the continent of Africa.

Africa has had a massive influence on Joshua’s life.

His dear mum Yeta Odusanya comes from Nigeria, while his paternal great-grandfather is considered one of the greatest men of the town of Sagamu.

As a result, AJ wanted to get the body artwork as a classy nod to his heritage – and opted for the map of the continent with Nigeria marked.

Reflecting on the Africa tattoo, he said: “I learned more about my family’s history and I ended up getting an Africa tattoo underneath it.

“It was a nice combination to have ‘Wisdom’ and your heritage tattooed underneath, so it went well.”

AJ then added regarding his Team GB logo: “I’ve actually got that tattooed on me as well in the middle of my neck.

“It’s shaped me in the sense that it’s been a blessing because I think I can talk to anyone – different backgrounds, cultures and religions because I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures.

“I think that’s a blessing that’s shaped me really well.”

The outline of Africa takes its place on his shoulder with Nigeria marked out.

Both of the boxer’s parents have Nigerian roots.

Lastly, in 2019, AJ got a tattoo on the middle finger of his left hand to cover up some calluses picked up throughout his boxing career.

The fighter headed to the Southgate SG Tattoo shop in North London where owner Victor Tsyhanou designed and inked a lion’s head and a forest on the top of the finger.

He even used one of the calluses as the moon in a genius way of using the battle scars for good.

AJ said the finished product was “perfect” as he thanked the tattoo artist.

The Southgate parlour said on Instagram: “It was an honour to tattoo the champ, Anthony Joshua. Thank you for trusting us.”

Joshua wanted a tattoo on his middle finger to cover up his callusesCredit: Southgate SG Tattoo

The lion and forest make an intricate designCredit: Southgate SG Tattoo

AJ described the tattoo as ‘perfect’Credit: Southgate SG Tattoo