Robert Joshua is Anthony Joshua’s father who played an important role in his son’s early life and upbringing. He was born in Nigeria and later moved to the United Kingdom seeking better opportunities. Robert had a relationship with Anthony’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, in the 1980s. Their son Anthony was born in Watford, England, in October 1989.
Robert and Yeta separated when Anthony was very young, around the age of twelve. After the separation, Anthony stayed with his mother in England while Robert returned to Nigeria. Despite the distance and family separation, Robert remained a part of his son’s life. Anthony has spoken about maintaining contact with his father over the years, even as he built his successful boxing career as a heavyweight champion.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Joshua |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Nigerian (Yoruba) |
| Famous For | Father of Anthony Joshua |
| Children | Anthony Joshua (son) |
| Partner | Yeta Odusanya (former partner) |
| Current Residence | Nigeria |
| Son’s Profession | Professional Boxer, Two-time Heavyweight Champion |
| Relationship Status | Separated from Yeta Odusanya |
Early Life & Education
Robert Joshua was born and raised in Nigeria during the mid-20th century. He grew up in a traditional Nigerian family with strong cultural values and deep roots in his heritage. Details about his exact birthdate and early childhood remain private. He spent his formative years in Nigeria before deciding to move abroad in search of greater opportunity.
Robert received his basic education in Nigeria following the local school system. Like many Nigerians of his generation, he valued education, discipline, and hard work as essential life principles. Information about his higher education or specific qualifications is not publicly available. He learned important life lessons that he would later try to pass on to his children, shaping their moral foundation.
In his youth, Robert made the decision to leave Nigeria for better opportunities and a more stable future. He moved to the United Kingdom during the 1980s seeking a new life and career prospects. This was a common path for many Nigerians looking for work and education abroad. The move to England would change the course of his life forever.
Robert settled in the Watford area of England where he started building his life as an immigrant. He worked various jobs to support himself in his new country, demonstrating strong work ethic. It was during this time that he met Yeta Odusanya, a British-Nigerian woman from the Yoruba ethnic group. Their relationship would eventually lead to the birth of his famous son, Anthony Joshua, creating a multicultural identity for the future boxing champion.
Personal & Family Life
Robert Joshua comes from a Nigerian background with deep roots in Yoruba culture and traditions. He values his heritage and the cultural pride he grew up with in Nigeria. Family has always been important in his life despite living far from home. He maintained connections with his relatives back in Nigeria throughout his time abroad, preserving those family roots.
Robert met Yeta Odusanya in England during the 1980s when both were part of the Nigerian community. Their relationship blossomed and they welcomed their son Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua in 1989. The couple lived together in Watford for several years raising their young son in a supportive environment. However, their relationship faced challenges that eventually led to separation.
When Anthony was around twelve years old, Robert and Yeta decided to part ways in what became a pivotal moment for the family. Robert made the difficult choice to return to Nigeria after the separation. This meant living thousands of miles away from his growing son and missing key moments in his child upbringing. Despite the distance, he tried to stay connected with Anthony through phone calls and occasional visits, maintaining their father-son relationship.
Anthony has mentioned his father in interviews over the years with respect and understanding, acknowledging the parental influence on his life. Robert watched his son’s boxing career develop from afar with pride as Anthony transformed into a professional athlete. The boxer has visited Nigeria multiple times to connect with his father’s side of the family and embrace his Nigerian ancestry. Their relationship shows that family bonds can survive even when separated by distance and circumstances, demonstrating quiet strength and resilience.
Career Journey
Robert Joshua’s career journey began in Nigeria where he worked in various capacities as a young man. Like many young Nigerians, he sought better economic opportunities abroad in the 1980s. He moved to the United Kingdom hoping to build a more stable future and engage in business ventures. The exact nature of his work in Nigeria before migration is not publicly documented.
After settling in England, Robert took on different jobs to make a living, showing his determination and discipline. He worked hard to support himself and his young family in Watford, embodying the immigrant work ethic. The specific industries or positions he held have not been widely reported in media presence. He faced the common challenges that many immigrants experience while adapting to a new country and building career management skills.
Robert eventually returned to Nigeria after separating from Yeta Odusanya in the early 2000s. He resumed his life back home and reconnected with his roots and community. Details about his professional work after returning to Nigeria remain private as he maintains a low-profile lifestyle. He has maintained discretion and stayed away from the media spotlight and public attention.
Unlike his famous son, Robert chose not to pursue public attention or celebrity status. He has lived a quiet life focused on his personal matters and family, valuing privacy over recognition. His greatest achievement remains being the father of a world champion boxer and supporting his son’s journey. Robert’s career path shows the journey of many immigrants seeking opportunity across continents with dignity and humility.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
Robert Joshua faced significant challenges when he first moved to the United Kingdom. Adjusting to a new culture and finding stable work was not easy for him. He had to navigate life as an immigrant in a foreign country during the 1980s. These early struggles shaped his character and determination to build a better life, building emotional resilience.
One of the biggest turning points in Robert’s life was becoming a father in 1989. The birth of Anthony Joshua brought him immense joy and new responsibilities as a father figure. He wanted to provide the best possible future for his son. However, balancing work, family, and life in England proved more difficult than expected, creating life challenges.
The separation from Yeta and young Anthony marked another major turning point for Robert. Making the decision to return to Nigeria meant leaving his son behind in England. This was an emotionally difficult choice that would affect their relationship for years. The distance created challenges in maintaining a close father-son bond during Anthony’s teenage years and parental support from afar.
Watching his son become a world champion boxer and sports icon from afar became both a source of pride and regret. Robert missed many important moments in Anthony’s journey to success and championship victories. However, he learned to appreciate their relationship despite the physical distance. This experience taught him that family connections can endure even through separation and hardship, demonstrating the triumph of perseverance.
Current Life & Career
Robert Joshua currently lives in Nigeria where he has settled after returning from England. He maintains a private and quiet lifestyle away from the public eye and media scrutiny. Details about his daily activities and current work are not widely shared with the media. He prefers to keep his personal life separate from his son’s fame and celebrity status, maintaining his dignity.
Robert stays connected with his son Anthony despite living in different countries. Anthony has visited Nigeria several times to spend time with his father and extended family, strengthening their family bonds. These visits have helped strengthen their bond over the years despite the geographical separation. Robert takes pride in watching his son’s achievements as a British athlete from his home in Nigeria.
His current career activities and business interests remain largely unknown to the public and media. Robert has never sought attention or tried to capitalize on his son’s fame and endorsements. He lives a modest life focused on his own pursuits and interests with financial stability. Many details about his professional work or business ventures are kept private by choice.
Robert enjoys his role as a father and takes satisfaction in Anthony’s success as a global sports icon. He has embraced his Nigerian roots fully after spending years abroad in the UK. His relationship with Anthony continues to evolve as they both grow older, maintaining supportive parent dynamics. Robert’s current life reflects a man who values privacy, family, and his cultural heritage above all else.
Net Worth & Financial Status
Robert Joshua’s exact net worth and financial status are not publicly documented or disclosed. Unlike his son Anthony Joshua, Robert has never been in the spotlight regarding his finances. He likely earned a modest income during his working years in the United Kingdom. His financial situation remains a private matter that he has never discussed publicly.
Robert’s lifestyle suggests he lives comfortably but not lavishly in Nigeria. He does not display wealth or seek attention for any financial success. Most of his income likely came from regular employment rather than business ventures. There is no public information about investments, properties, or significant assets he may own.
Anthony Joshua, on the other hand, has amassed significant wealth through his boxing career. The heavyweight champion has earned millions from fights, endorsements, and business deals. While Anthony supports his family, the extent of financial assistance to his father is private. Robert has maintained his independence and has not publicly relied on his son’s wealth.
Robert’s financial priorities appear focused on maintaining a simple and private life. He has never made public statements about money or his economic situation. His modest approach to life contrasts sharply with the celebrity lifestyle of professional athletes. Robert’s financial status reflects a man who values privacy and personal dignity over public displays of wealth.
Public Image & Media Presence
Robert Joshua has maintained an extremely low public profile throughout his life, staying away from cameras and headlines. He rarely appears in media interviews or public events despite his son’s fame. Robert has chosen to stay away from the spotlight that surrounds Anthony’s boxing career and ringside celebrations. His preference for privacy has kept him largely unknown to the general public.
Unlike many celebrity parents, Robert does not use social media platforms and has no social media absence. He has no verified accounts on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. This absence from social media reflects his desire to live a quiet life. He lets his son handle the public attention while he remains in the background as a grounding force.
The media has shown little interest in Robert’s personal story or background. Most information about him comes from occasional mentions by Anthony Joshua in interviews. Robert has never given his own interview or shared his perspective publicly, maintaining public discretion. This lack of media presence shows his commitment to staying out of the public eye.
Robert’s public image is simply that of Anthony Joshua’s father and nothing more. He is respected for maintaining his dignity and not seeking fame through his son’s success. His quiet approach has earned him privacy that many celebrity parents don’t enjoy. Robert’s media absence demonstrates that he values personal peace over public recognition and attention, embodying restraint and humility.
Fun Facts / Anecdotes
Robert Joshua is of Yoruba descent, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria with rich cultural traditions. Anthony Joshua has embraced his Nigerian heritage and often displays the Nigerian flag after victories. Robert’s cultural background influenced Anthony’s connection to his African roots and multicultural identity. The boxer has visited Nigeria multiple times to reconnect with his father’s homeland and family.
Robert was living in Watford when Anthony was born in October 1989. Anthony grew up in a mixed Nigerian-British household with strong cultural values and balanced identity. Despite the separation, Robert’s Nigerian influence remained part of Anthony’s identity as a modern British athlete. Anthony often speaks proudly about his dual heritage in interviews and public appearances, celebrating his Irish-Nigerian heritage.
Robert has witnessed his son’s transformation from a troubled teenager to a world champion. Anthony once faced legal troubles and was even in custody as a young man during difficult years. Robert watched from Nigeria as his son turned his life around through boxing and found discipline. This incredible journey from struggle to success became one of the most inspiring stories in sports, demonstrating youth transformation and emotional resilience.
His parents and early life
Robert Joshua’s parents were native Nigerians who raised him in their homeland. They belonged to the Yoruba ethnic group with deep cultural and traditional values. His parents likely worked hard to provide for their family during challenging economic times. Details about their names, professions, and specific backgrounds have never been publicly shared.
Robert grew up in Nigeria during a period of significant change in the country. His childhood was shaped by Nigerian customs, language, and community traditions. His parents instilled in him the importance of family, respect, and hard work. These values from his upbringing would later influence how he approached his own life and parental influence on Anthony.
Information about Robert’s siblings or extended family members remains largely unknown. He likely had brothers and sisters as large families were common in Nigerian culture. His early family life prepared him for the challenges of moving abroad later. The support system from his parents gave him the foundation to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Robert’s early years in Nigeria shaped his identity and worldview significantly. He experienced a traditional African upbringing before venturing to the Western world. His parents’ teachings stayed with him even after moving to England. This background connects directly to the heritage he passed down to his son Anthony Joshua.
Frequently Asked Question
Who is Robert Joshua?
Robert Joshua is Anthony Joshua’s father, a Nigerian man who moved to the UK in the 1980s and later returned to Nigeria.
What happened to Anthony Joshua’s father?
Anthony Joshua’s father Robert returned to Nigeria after separating from Anthony’s mother when the boxer was around twelve years old.
Where does Robert Joshua live now?
Robert Joshua currently lives in Nigeria where he maintains a private and quiet lifestyle away from the public eye.
Is Anthony Joshua’s dad still alive?
Yes, Robert Joshua is still alive and living in Nigeria, maintaining contact with his son despite the distance.
What is Robert Joshua’s nationality?
Robert Joshua is Nigerian by birth and belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group from Nigeria.
When did Robert Joshua leave England?
Robert Joshua left England and returned to Nigeria in the early 2000s after separating from Yeta Odusanya, Anthony’s mother.
Does Anthony Joshua have a relationship with his father?
Yes, Anthony Joshua maintains a relationship with his father Robert and has visited him in Nigeria several times over the years.
What does Robert Joshua do for a living?
Robert Joshua’s current profession and career details are not publicly known as he maintains a very private lifestyle.
How old is Anthony Joshua’s father?
Robert Joshua’s exact age and birthdate have never been publicly disclosed or confirmed.
Did Robert Joshua attend Anthony’s boxing matches?
There is no public information confirming whether Robert Joshua has attended any of Anthony’s professional boxing matches in person.
Final Thought
Robert Joshua’s life story shows the journey of many Nigerian immigrants seeking better opportunities abroad. He moved to England with hopes and dreams but eventually returned to his homeland. Though he lived apart from his son for many years, their bond remained strong through family connections. His quiet and private life stands in contrast to Anthony’s global fame and success.
Robert’s greatest legacy is being the father of a two-time world heavyweight champion and supporting his son’s journey. He may not seek the spotlight, but his influence on Anthony’s life is undeniable through parental guidance. The values and heritage he passed down helped shape the champion boxer we know today. Robert Joshua’s story reminds us that family connections can survive distance, time, and life’s many challenges, demonstrating quiet strength and the power of family pride.
