Anthony Joshua has hit out at critics who accused him of racism after a section of his impassioned speech at a Black Lives Matter rally wa...
Anthony Joshua has hit out at critics who accused him of racism after a section of his impassioned speech at a Black Lives Matter rally was taken out of context.
The heavyweight champion, 30, had joined hundreds of protesters at a demonstration in Watford on Saturday, where he read out a letter about the fight against racism.
Speaking to the crowd, Joshua read a speech written by his friend Reece Campbell who he said was unable to attend the gathering.
In a short clip of this address posted to social media, he said: 'Show them where it hurts. Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.'
The boxer took to Twitter on Sunday to hit back at critics, who had accused Joshua of racism after watching the snippet out of context.
He said: 'If you think I'm a racist, go f*** yourself! If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead.
Anthony Joshua hits back at critics who claimed he is 'racist' following his speech in the park
Joshua responded to critics with an image of some text on Twitter on Sunday evening
'I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community.
'Shops aren't the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism.'
He posted the statement alongside a short video of his speech, which showed him holding up a piece of paper and saying: 'That was a few words from my friend Reece who couldn’t make it here today.
'Thank you all for listening. I hope you can all take something away from today whether it’s individually or community-wise. So these are my own words. I didn’t really plan anything, I’m not into the public-speaking stuff unless it’s a question and answer type of thing.'
In another clip from the rally, Joshua is seen standing on crutches as he called on the crowd to 'stand united against the virus which has been instrumental in taking lives.'
Speaking in Watford, he said: 'Today we join many thousands of protesters in the UK and many hundreds of thousands across the globe.
'We stand united against the virus which has been instrumental in taking lives. A virus which is not apologetic, a virus that spreads across all sectors of our communities - sports, education, churches, entertainment, the media and the Government.
'Not just in the UK, but across the world. The virus has been declared a pandemic, this is out of control and I'm not talking about Covid-19. The virus I'm referring to is called racism.'
He went on to call for Britons to 'speak out in peaceful demonstrations', but to not 'use these demonstrations for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting.'
'How long are we going to allow racism to spread through our community and affect our lives without using the vaccine you already have in your possession? Me and you, you are the vaccine, I am the vaccine.
The heavyweight champion read aloud a speech from a piece of paper during the protests
A snippet of the initial speech Joshua read was taken out of context on social media
'We can no longer, from today onwards, we can no longer sit back and remain silent on the senseless, unlawful killings, sly racism of another human being based only on what? Their skin colour.'
He later spoke to a local councillor who had attended the demonstration, and proposed plans to create a new community centre in Watford.
The boxer, who lives in the town with his son JJ, four, hopes to purchase a building and create a hub for young people to learn and get to know each other.
In another statement made this weekend, Joshua addressed other criticisms of appearing to disobey social distancing rules while attending the protests.
He said: 'I understand the concerns in regards to social distancing.
'However I hope those who are complaining about social distancing have the same energy about those gathering for a day at the beach [and] those going to the park for a picnic.'
The Black Lives Matter protest was one of hundreds taking place across the globe following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States.
Protests have occurred around the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
Joshua joined hundreds of peaceful protestors on the march through his hometown
Joshua wore a hoodie with Black Lives Matter on the front in support of the movement
Police officer Derek Chauvin has since been charged with second degree murder after a video emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes while he laid on the floor in handcuffs.
His death has sparked a series of protests across the US and solidarity demonstrations around the world.
Joshua went on to explain that the death of Floyd was the catalyst for the protests.
'But I know I've taken my street knowledge and put it into the corporate world and I've gained a lot of respect in that sense. So anyway, gang culture is done,' he said.
'So, where was I. We have to engage with the youth and put an end to black youth gang culture. This postcode war - how many houses do we own on that postcode that we're fighting for?
Joshua wore a leg brace and walked with crutches after sustaining a training injury
Hundreds turned out for the Black Lives Matter protest march in Watford on Saturday
'Let's inject the vaccine. Every life matters - 100 per cent I agree with that. But that does include black lives and that's why we're here today.
'George Floyd - we're all aware of his name - was the catalyst in a list that is already way, way, way too long.'
Joshua's appearance on crutches also saw fans fear that the heavyweight boxer sustained a serious injury.
However, spokesperson for the 30-year-old confirmed to Sportsmail that his injury is not serious, saying: 'Anthony felt a slight twinge in his knee whilst training.
'The brace Is a precautionary measure on the advise of physios. It will be further checked by his doctors but there is no immediate concern.'
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