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Anthony Joshua has confirmed that he will not kneel in the ring before defending his world heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night. He stressed the importance of the gesture, but said he is “trying to make things more tangible” by creating an initiative to support black British culture.
Six months ago, in his hometown of Watford, Joshua spoke out at a Black Lives Matter protest against racism. “The virus has been declared a pandemic,” he said in June. “This is out of control. And I am not talking about Covid-19. The virus I am talking about is called racism. We are united against a virus that has been instrumental in ending the lives of young, old, rich and poor; a virus that is unapologetic and spreads across all sectors. “
When asked if he would take the knee before the opening bell against Pulev, Joshua said: “Good question. No, I will not kneel. I try to do more tangible things. What we are trying to do is create a union to support British culture. That is important: showing people in the Afro-Caribbean community as valuable members of British society. I think that is more important. That is what we are working on at the moment. Different athletes, different people, different places. So kneeling is important: 100%. But personally, I’m doing something different. “
Joshua said the work had already started. “I have hired someone who is really working on it. It is a difficult task, but hopefully it will come to fruition and really only positive things can be done in the UK environment. Sometimes there are problems with stigma and stereotypes. So it is to showcase the workers, architects and athletes of the NHS and be positive for everyone in the community. We have created a platform, a website and we are doing fundamental things with grassroots charities.
“I can talk to you about boxing but not about certain issues in the world, I am not a full time activist, so I am more likely to be wrong here and there. So what I’d like to do is join charities that take care of these things day after day and support their causes. “
The IBF, WBA and WBO world champion is aware of the position taken against racism by British black athletes, led by Lewis Hamilton, and vowed to speak more about his plans to help combat racism through positive actions. after his fight against Pulev.
