Anthony Joshua, often called AJ , started boxing in 2007 at the age of 18 after a cousin took him down to Finchley Amateur Boxing Club in North London.

Quick Scoop: AJ’s Boxing Start

  • AJ came to boxing relatively late, beginning in 2007 rather than as a child, which makes his rapid rise even more striking.
  • He initially went along just to support his cousin at a trial session, then decided to train regularly at Finchley ABC, the same gym that has hosted other notable heavyweights.

From First Gloves To Amateur Star

  • Within about two years of starting, Joshua was already winning domestic tournaments like the Haringey Box Cup and English novice titles, signaling he was not just a casual latecomer but an elite-level prospect.
  • This fast progression from 2007 beginner to 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist is one reason “when did AJ start boxing” is such a popular question among fans looking at how compressed his timeline was.

Why The Start Date Matters Now

  • With AJ still a major name in current heavyweight storylines and crossover events, his 2007 starting point is often cited to highlight how modern athletes can reach world level even without a long childhood amateur background.
  • Forum and social media discussions that trend around “AJ hate” or “AJ legacy” frequently reference that he was a late starter, using it either to praise his achievements or to argue he lacked the deep ring schooling of some rivals.

“When did AJ start boxing?” – Answer: 2007, aged 18 at Finchley ABC in North London.

TL;DR: AJ started boxing in 2007 at 18 years old, quickly rose through the amateurs, and was an Olympic champion within five years.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.