Heavyweight boxing icon Anthony Joshua prepares for his highly anticipated bout against YouTube sensation Jake Paul, scheduled to take place in Miami. As the fight approaches, public attention has once again turned to Joshua’s personal life, which has frequently garnered as much media coverage as his formidable career inside the ring. The former unified world heavyweight champion, known for his reserved stance on private matters, has navigated various rumours and controversies throughout his illustrious career.

Central to the discussions surrounding Joshua’s private affairs was a significant public incident involving fellow boxer Amir Khan. In 2017, Khan publicly accused Joshua of having an affair with his wife, Faryal Makhdoom, an allegation that immediately sent shockwaves through the sporting world and became a major tabloid headline. Joshua vehemently denied these claims, maintaining his innocence amidst the media storm.

Khan’s accusations unfolded dramatically on social media, where he posted a series of tweets directly implicating Joshua. He stated, “Lol moved up in the weight classes lol. Trust me I ain’t the jealous type. No need to send me pictures of the men you’re talking to Disgusted.” Khan continued, alleging, “Left my family and friends for this Faryal. I’m not hurt but another fighter. I’m making it public. You getting the divorce Golddigger. Mans like Joshua can have my leftovers!”

Following the explosive allegations and Joshua’s swift denial, the narrative took a significant turn when Amir Khan later expressed profound regret over his actions. Speaking publicly, Khan admitted that he had been going through a difficult period in his personal life and had wrongly accused Joshua. He acknowledged that his outburst had caused irreparable damage to their friendship, which he deeply regretted.

Khan further clarified the misunderstanding, explaining that his marital issues at the time led him to misinterpret a casual message from Joshua to Faryal Makhdoom. He recounted that his wife had shown him a simple “hi” message from Joshua, which, in his then-turbulent state, he misinterpreted as something more sinister. Khan ultimately conceded that Joshua had done nothing wrong and was likely just being respectful, having been unfairly caught in the crossfire of Khan’s personal struggles.

Beyond the high-profile controversy, other aspects of Joshua’s personal life have occasionally emerged. He is known to have a son, Joseph “JJ” Joshua, whose mother is Nicole Osbourne, a former dancer who now works as a yoga instructor. Joshua has consistently maintained a private approach to his family life, shielding his son from the intense media spotlight.

Over the years, Joshua has also been linked to several high-profile figures in the entertainment industry. In 2017, media reports speculated about a potential romance between Joshua and supermodel Bella Hadid, during a period when Hadid’s relationship with singer The Weeknd was on-again, off-again. These rumours, however, remained unconfirmed by either party.

Another notable rumour emerged around 2018, connecting Joshua with television personality and radio presenter Vick Hope. Despite the speculation, no relationship was ever officially confirmed by either individual. Hope later married DJ Calvin Harris in 2023, further underlining the unconfirmed nature of her past rumoured links to the boxer.

More recently, Joshua has been romantically linked to Moroccan model and influencer Samia Slimani. Rumours began circulating following his visit to Morocco, with pictures shared on social media fueling speculation about a burgeoning romance. As with previous rumours, these connections remain largely in the realm of unverified media speculation.

Throughout his career, Anthony Joshua has established himself as one of boxing’s most dominant figures, claiming an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games before unifying the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight championship belts. His victories over esteemed opponents like Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker cemented his status, yet the public’s fascination with his life outside the ring continues to intertwine with his professional narrative.

Joshua’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul is scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The main event is anticipated to begin around 3:30 AM UK time and will be broadcast live, further drawing global attention to both his athletic prowess and the enduring intrigue surrounding his personal world.

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