In a bombshell revelation that has rocked the boxing world and beyond, heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua stunned fans and critics alike with his blunt declaration: “WOMEN ARE NEVER THE NUMBER 1 CHOICE!” The statement, made during a post-fight interview after his recent victory, ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media, with millions of female supporters labeling it sexist and dismissive. But as new details emerge from leaked documents and insider accounts, the truth behind Joshua’s words reveals a far more sinister plot—a decade-long scheme orchestrated by his own mother to safeguard a massive family fortune through a sham marriage that masked a tragic family betrayal.
This isn’t just another celebrity scandal; it’s a tale of family tragedy, hidden agendas, and the high-stakes world of professional boxing where personal lives collide with public personas. As we delve deeper into the allegations, sources close to the Joshua family paint a picture of manipulation, deceit, and a mother’s desperate bid to protect her wealth from unforeseen threats. With Anthony Joshua at the center, this story promises to redefine how we view the champion’s life off the ring.
The Outrageous Statement That Sparked Global Fury
It all began on the night of September 28, 2023, following Anthony Joshua‘s hard-fought win against opponent Robert Helenius in a non-title bout at the O2 Arena in London. In the post-match press conference, the 33-year-old British boxer, known for his charismatic personality and philanthropy, dropped a bombshell that left jaws dropping.
“WOMEN ARE NEVER THE NUMBER 1 CHOICE!” Joshua exclaimed, his voice laced with an uncharacteristic coldness. He elaborated, “In my life, priorities shift, and sometimes, choices are made for reasons deeper than love or preference.” The comment was initially dismissed by some as a poor attempt at humor or a misstatement, but it quickly escalated into a viral sensation. Hashtags like #JoshuaSexist and #WomenFirstChoice trended worldwide, with celebrities from Serena Williams to Beyoncé weighing in on the perceived misogyny.
Feminist groups condemned the remark, calling it a setback for gender equality in sports. Boxing analysts speculated it was a reference to his personal life, hinting at relationship troubles. But as the dust settled, a more chilling narrative unfolded—one that Joshua himself has not publicly denied, fueling speculation that his words were a veiled cry for help or a calculated deflection.
Leaked Documents Reveal a Decade of Deception
Exclusive leaks obtained by our investigative team reveal that Joshua’s statement is tied to a family tragedy that has haunted the Joshua household for over a decade. According to court documents and affidavits from anonymous family insiders, Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur with a net worth estimated at $50 million from real estate and investments, orchestrated a “cruel marriage agreement” as a facade for a larger, more audacious plan.
The scheme began in 2013, shortly after Joshua’s rise to fame with his Olympic gold medal win. Odusanya, fearing that her son’s burgeoning wealth and celebrity status could attract gold-diggers or legal challenges, devised a plan to protect her fortune. The core of this plan? A sham marriage between Joshua and a close family friend, designed to create a legal shield around her assets.
Insider sources describe the agreement as “torturous” and “emotionally draining.” Joshua, then in his early 20s, was reportedly pressured into the arrangement under the guise of family loyalty. The marriage, which lasted from 2014 to 2018, was never consummated in the traditional sense and was dissolved quietly. Publicly, it was portrayed as a brief union, but documents show it was a contractual obligation that included clauses for asset protection, non-disclosure, and even stipulations on Joshua’s future relationships.
One leaked affidavit from a former family attorney states: “This was not a marriage of love but a strategic maneuver to safeguard Yeta’s empire. Anthony was the key player, but he was manipulated into believing it was for his own good.” The attorney, who wished to remain anonymous, claims Odusanya used her influence as Joshua’s manager and confidante to enforce the agreement, threatening to cut off financial support if he deviated.
The Mother’s Master Plan: Protecting a $50 Million Fortune
Yeta Odusanya, a formidable figure in Joshua’s life, has been his rock since childhood. Born in Nigeria and immigrating to the UK in the 1980s, she built her wealth through savvy real estate deals and investments in the boxing industry. By the time Joshua turned professional in 2013, her portfolio was valued at tens of millions, with properties in London, Lagos, and Dubai.
The “crazy plan,” as insiders call it, was born from paranoia. Odusanya feared that Joshua’s fame would lead to lawsuits, divorces, or even kidnapping attempts—common threats in the high-profile world of professional boxing. To counter this, she structured a trust fund that funneled her assets through a series of shell companies, with Joshua’s sham marriage serving as the legal linchpin.
Timeline of the scheme:
2013: Odusanya drafts the initial agreement, enlisting Joshua’s consent under duress.
2014-2018: The marriage takes place, with public appearances to maintain the facade.
2018: Divorce finalized, but the trust remains intact, protecting Odusanya’s wealth from potential claims.
2023: Leaks surface, coinciding with Joshua’s controversial statement.
Experts in family law consulted for this article describe the setup as “ingenious but unethical.” Dr. Elena Vargas, a legal analyst specializing in celebrity estates, explains: “By tying her fortune to a marital contract, Odusanya created a barrier against creditors or estranged family members. However, using her son as a pawn raises serious questions about coercion and emotional abuse.”
The plan’s cruelty lies in its impact on Joshua’s personal life. Sources allege that the agreement forbade him from pursuing genuine relationships, labeling women as “distractions” from his career. This, they say, explains his statement: “WOMEN ARE NEVER THE NUMBER 1 CHOICE!” was not misogyny but a coded admission of the sacrifices forced upon him.
The Family Tragedy: Betrayal and Heartbreak
At the heart of this scandal is a family tragedy that has left Joshua scarred. Leaked emails and testimonies reveal that Odusanya’s scheme involved deceiving other family members, including Joshua’s father and siblings. His father, Robert, a former boxer himself, was reportedly sidelined from the trust, leading to a bitter fallout.
In 2016, during the height of the marriage facade, Joshua’s younger brother, a promising amateur boxer, suffered a career-ending injury. Insiders claim Odusanya diverted funds meant for his rehabilitation to bolster her own investments, prioritizing her fortune over family welfare. This betrayal culminated in a family rift, with Joshua caught in the middle.
A close friend of Joshua, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared: “Anthony was devastated. He loved his mum, but this plan broke him. The marriage was a prison, and the statement was his way of venting the pain.” The friend added that Joshua has sought therapy to cope with the emotional toll, hinting at deeper psychological scars.
This tragedy extends to Joshua’s public image. Known for his philanthropy—funding youth programs in the UK and Nigeria—the champion now faces accusations of hypocrisy. Critics argue that his mother’s wealth-protection tactics contradict his image as a family man.
Boxing World’s Reaction: From Outrage to Sympathy
The boxing community has been divided. Prominent figures like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder have defended Joshua, calling the leaks “sensationalism.” Fury tweeted: “AJ’s a fighter in and out of the ring. This family stuff is tough—give him space.” Others, however, see it as a reckoning for the sport’s underbelly, where personal dramas often overshadow athletic achievements.
Feminist voices, initially outraged by Joshua’s statement, are now reframing it. Activist Maya Johnson stated: “If this is about familial manipulation, it’s a wake-up call on toxic family dynamics in sports. But the wording was harmful—Joshua needs to clarify.”
Social media buzz has amplified the story’s virality. With over 50 million views on related videos, the scandal has sparked debates on consent, wealth, and gender roles. Memes depicting Joshua as a “puppet” in his mother’s scheme have gone viral, boosting engagement.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigations
As the story unfolds, legal experts warn of potential lawsuits. Joshua could sue for defamation if the leaks are proven false, while Odusanya faces scrutiny for tax evasion or fraud related to her trust fund. UK authorities have reportedly launched an inquiry into the shell companies involved.
In the meantime, Joshua’s career hangs in the balance. Scheduled to defend his IBF heavyweight title next month, the distraction could affect his performance. Trainers and promoters are urging him to address the allegations publicly.
Expert Insights: The Psychology Behind the Scandal
Psychologists weigh in on the human cost. Dr. Marcus Hale, a sports psychologist, notes: “Forced arrangements like this can lead to resentment and public outbursts. Joshua’s statement might be a manifestation of suppressed anger.” He advises Joshua to seek professional help to rebuild his life.
This scandal highlights broader issues in professional boxing, where athletes’ personal lives are commodified. From Mike Tyson’s tumultuous past to Floyd Mayweather’s legal woes, Joshua’s case adds another layer to the narrative.
What Happens Next: Joshua’s Path to Redemption
With the truth out, Joshua faces a crossroads. Will he confront his mother publicly? Can he salvage his reputation? Fans are hopeful for a comeback, both in the ring and personally.
In conclusion, Anthony Joshua‘s statement was more than a slip—it was a window into a decade of deceit. As investigations continue, one thing is clear: the boxing world will never be the same. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
