Entertainment
How Joshua Turned £15,000 First Pay To £500 Million Career Earnings
In the world of boxing, tales of rags-to-riches journeys often captivate audiences, but few stories rival the meteoric rise of Anthony Joshua. From his humble beginnings in the ring, marked by a meager £15,000 payday for his inaugural professional bout, to his staggering career earnings totaling £500,140,000, Joshua’s journey is a testament to unwavering resilience, unyielding dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, PETER AKINBO writes.
Before the glitz and glamor of the professional circuit, Joshua honed his craft in amateur boxing, amassing accolades and acclaim that foreshadowed his future dominance.
With an impeccable amateur record and a 2012 Olympic gold medal adorning his chest, Joshua transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks, signaling the dawn of a new era in heavyweight boxing.
Emanuele Leo was his first opponent in the pros and he was quickly secured his first pro paycheck by knocking Leo out in the first round at the 02 Arena pocketing £15,000 for the bout.
Joshua went on to earn £50,000 in his next two fights which he won by knockouts against Paul Butlin and Hrvoje Kisicek. He followed that up with a £75,000 pay-day against Dorian Darch who also fell victim to Joshua’s knockout power.
His first million-pound purse would wait till his 8th professional bout against Konstantin Airich who he also dispatched by TKO and bagged a £1m purse. Joshua steadily climbed the ranks, each triumph contributing to his burgeoning reputation and financial standing.
Joshua’s ambition had always set him apart from his peers. In a candid interview dating back to April 2017, Joshua spoke of his aspirations to not only conquer the boxing world but to transcend it, aiming to become the sport’s first billionaire.
“When I first started, the aim was to become a multi-millionaire,” Joshua said.
“But now there are ordinary people, grandmas and granddads, who are worth millions just because of property prices. So the new school of thought is that I need to be a billionaire.”
Joshua went on to earn £1m from four other fights and £2m from wins over Kevin Johnson and Gary Cornish before a £3m purse for his win over Dillian Whyte and a total of £14.5m from his next three bouts.
However, it was his resounding victory over Wladimir Klitschko in the same month that catapulted Joshua into boxing stardom. Not only did the win secure his status as a heavyweight champion, but it also significantly boosted his earnings, with a staggering £15m purse attached to the fight.
His rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr., which saw him reclaim his titles from the American who handed him his first loss, brought in a monumental £66m payday, a testament to his enduring appeal and drawing power.
Joshua’s highest purse from a bout was made in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk which he lost by split decision. In the first bout, Joshua earned £20m and in the rematch in Saudi Arabia, the two-time heavyweight champion bagged a whopping sum of £70m.
Undeterred by setbacks, such as his defeats to Usyk, Joshua showcased his resilience by bouncing back with triumphant victories in his next four fights which saw him earn a total of £86 with the biggest pay coming from his most recent fight against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia where he pocketed £40m.
Each victory not only added to his legacy in the ring but also swelled his bank balance, underscoring his status as one of boxing’s most bankable stars.
Looking ahead, Joshua’s sights are set firmly on the horizon, his appetite for success as voracious as ever. With a record of 28-3-0 (25 KOs), the 34-year-old now has his sights set on becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
Entertainment
Osimhen joins Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy at Tony Elumelu’s all-white party
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on Monday joined Nigeria’s elite at billionaire Tony Elumelu glamorous all-white party in Lagos, embracing the holiday festivities during a visit to his home country.
The Galatasaray forward, who has been in prolific form, was seen mingling with top celebrities at the event hosted by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the UBA Group, with an estimated net worth of $700 million according to Forbes.
The star-studded affair featured electrifying performances by some of Nigeria’s biggest music icons, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Flavour.
Prominent political figures also graced the occasion, with Lagos State Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun among the notable attendees.
Entertainment
Queen Esther Daniels Crowned Best Idoma Nollywood Actress Of All Time
Popular actress, model, and activist, Queen Esther Daniels, has been crowned the Best Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time.
The talented thespian received this accolade ahead of industry legends such as Ene Comfort Ikwumono, Jane Odoh, and others at the Idoma Nollywood Film Festival, which took place during the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, Benue State, on Monday, December 23, 2024.
Queen Esther made her acting debut at the age of 15 and has since starred in numerous Nollywood and Idoma movies.
In 2022, she made her production debut with the indigenous blockbuster “Akpa K’Oche” (The Throne).
She has utilized her talent as a vehicle for advocacy, working against social vices while promoting culture, peace, and unity.
In recognition of her hard work and dedication, she was overwhelmingly voted as the Best Idoma Actress of All Time.
Reacting to the victory via his Facebook page, Hon. Prince Yemi Itodo, the Executive Producer of Akpa K’Oche, stated that Queen Esther’s recognition as the eternal Best Idoma Nollywood Actress was well-deserved.
He expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Idoma International Carnival for recognizing Idoma talents and promoting tourism.
He wrote, “Tonight, history is made! Idoma people of Nigeria gathered at their traditional headquarters in the ancient town of Otukpo, Benue State, to celebrate this Thespian and screen goddess of unqualifiable measures…
“Queen Esther Daniels was nominated and won the Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time, not Actress of the year, not Actress in the past, not Actress in 2025, not upcoming Actress, but Actress of All Time… This means alot to the industry and the family.
“Queen Esther Ene Daniels started gracing our screen right from the age of 15; and back-to-back, she has sustained the steam, the steez and the dexterity, interpreting her professional roles, both in Idoma and Nigerian Nollywood. She is also one of the rare Female Movie Producers in Idoma land, with her blockbuster AKPA K’OCHE (The Throne), short titled in English in 2022 and premiered at Double K Resort, Otukpo.
“This award is well deserving and it’s welcoming.
“We want to appreciate the organisers of Idoma International Carnival , the Global President, who doubles as President of Idoma Association in America, Prince EDWIN OCHAI; Global Vice President and Autotchonous incumbent of the MIC industry and Radio Benue Zcar, Henry Ipole; and all other crew, including the Federal Ministry of Information and Tourism, for this show of love.
“Finally, this award is dedicated to Almighty God, the Idoma nation, the cast and crew of AKPA K’OCHE (The Throne), especially, the Director, Ochola St Godwins; Editor, Jeff Onjefu, Lead Actor and Producer of OSOFIA IN BRAZIL, Pastor Abel Success, DoP, Richy Billions; Mr. Isaac Ochedikwu, Mummy Eze; Anebi Onobe; Ochagwu; for making Queen Esther a successful Producer.
“Idoma Nation shall be great again!!”
Entertainment
Portable’s Baby Mama Honey Berry and New Man Dance Romantically to Singer’s Song, Tag Him to Post
Honey Berry, the baby mama of Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, aka Portable, has caused a huge stir online.
In a recent post, Honey Berry and her new boyfriend, MC Freedom, shared a playful Instagram post showcasing their fun, romantic side.
The couple filmed themselves dancing and enjoying Portable’s song while dressed in matching Christmas pyjamas. Their cosy dance quickly became a topic of conversation, with many seeing it as a subtle mockery of the Zazu crooner.
Adding to the playful taunt, the duo tagged Portable in the video, likely aiming to provoke a reaction from him.
In the post, Honey Berry and MC Freedom also wished their followers a Merry Christmas, spreading holiday cheer together.
“Two hearts, one holiday spirit. Merry Christmas from us to you! 🎄❤️ 🎶: @portablebaeby.”
See the post below:
Portable’s Honey Berry’s post stirs reactions
Legit.ng compiled the reactions bellow:
its_loba___:
“Una even use portable song.”
destiny___x:
“U collect person wife una still dey vibes to his song.”
spiffy_lovethherbss:
“Una still tag owner of the song 😭 no be so o.”
sunkanmi_omobolanle:
“Wait wait wait @freedomhnd You use person woman as props Abi na Vixien Una Dey call come still vibe ontop his song 🤣🤣 ika ika ni e.”
godfirst0072024:
“Lols……see the yansh….Owo awon NURTW ti te aye e pa….kokozaria and his ogas no nice at all when it comes to handling yansh ooo … portable sef try no be small….make I come put such a public wife for house all in d name of love or clout??? When I get right thinking FAMILY MEMBERS… Tufiaka …..her videos on bed will be dropping from tomorrow….una go see rotten kpetus tire.@portablebaeby make we drop 1 bangar tonight????”
kik__xo:
“My hand no Dey o😒portable don Dey set ring light.”
henrytee14:
“Person collect omoolalomi’s wife still get mind to tagged him.”
pella_1313
“You get mind tag portable.”
marveltvupdates_:
“Una wicked oo… portable setting ring light.”
Honey Berry reacts to Portable’s online feud with Queen Dami
The third baby mother of controversial Nigerian artist Portable got involved in the singer’s ongoing battle with his now-estranged girlfriend, Queen Dami.
Portable initiated the drama by accusing Queen Dami, the late Alaafin of Oyo’s ex-wife, of infidelity and trying to break his marriage.
Despite the chaos, Honey Berry subtly addressed the drama on her Instagram page. She shared lovely images of herself and lectured the audience on the importance of being at peace with oneself.
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