The Mystery Behind the Champ: Anthony Joshua’s Dating Life and History
The Mystery Behind the Champ: Anthony Joshua’s Dating Life and History
While Anthony Joshua was busy dismantling Jake Paul in the ring at the Kaseya Center this December, a different kind of fight was happening on social media: the battle to uncover the truth about his love life. As one of the most eligible bachelors in global sports, Joshua’s personal affairs have always been a subject of intense scrutiny, but the spotlight reached a fever pitch during the high-profile Netflix-streamed event in Miami.
Despite being a multi-millionaire with movie-star looks and a career that has spanned over a decade at the top of the heavyweight division, Joshua remains famously elusive regarding his romantic partners. In 2025, as he approaches his late thirties, the question on every fan’s lips remains: Does Anthony Joshua have a girlfriend?
The 2025 Buzz: Is Samia Slimani the New Leading Lady?
The latest name to ignite the rumor mill is Samia Slimani, a stunning Moroccan model and lifestyle influencer. Speculation regarding a romance between the two intensified throughout 2025, particularly after Joshua was spotted visiting Morocco.
While neither has officially confirmed a relationship, photographs emerged on Instagram showing the pair "vibing" together in various locales. Critics and fans alike have noted that Joshua, who usually shields his companions from the digital eye, seemed more relaxed during his time in Morocco. Whether Samia was merely a high-profile tour guide or a significant other remains to be seen, but she is currently the frontrunner in the "mystery girlfriend" stakes as of December 2025.
The Only Confirmed Romance: Nicole Osbourne and the Birth of "JJ"
To understand Joshua’s current approach to dating, one must look back at his only publicly confirmed long-term relationship. Nicole Osbourne, a former pole-dance teacher and current yoga instructor, was Joshua’s childhood sweetheart. The pair shared an on-and-off relationship that dates back to their school days in Watford.
The relationship became a major news story in 2016 when it was revealed that the couple had a son together, Joseph "JJ" Joshua, born in late 2015.
Co-Parenting Success: Despite their eventual split, Joshua and Nicole have maintained an exemplary co-parenting relationship.
Privacy First: Joshua famously bought Nicole a luxury penthouse in North London, but the two are rarely, if ever, photographed together.
The Focus on JJ: Joshua often speaks about how his son is the center of his universe, stating in a December 2025 interview with Hello Magazine that he prefers to leave boxing at the door and focus on "maths and the purpose of life" when he is at home with JJ.
The Supermodel Speculations: Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Beyond
Over the years, Joshua’s name has been linked to some of the most famous women in the world. These rumors often stem from brief public interactions that the media amplifies:
Bella Hadid (2017): The rumors started after the two met at the GQ Men of the Year Awards. While they were seen chatting and reportedly "hit it off," Joshua later clarified in an interview with Louis Theroux that no formal relationship ever existed.
Cara Delevingne (2014): Similar to the Hadid rumors, AJ and Cara were linked after exchanging flirty texts and meeting at a basketball game. Joshua has since denied these claims, noting that his focus at the time was purely on his rising boxing career.
Maya Jama & Rita Ora: Both the Love Island host and the pop star have faced "dating" headlines alongside Joshua. In most cases, these were simply professional encounters or mutual friendships within the London elite social circle.
The "Amir Khan Scandal": A Public Misunderstanding
Perhaps the most dramatic chapter in Joshua’s dating history wasn't even about his own relationship. In 2017, fellow boxer Amir Khan took to Twitter to accuse Joshua of having an affair with his wife, Faryal Makhdoom.
The accusation sent shockwaves through the sports world, but it was quickly debunked. Joshua responded with a humorous video of Shaggy’s "It Wasn't Me," and Khan eventually retracted the claims, blaming a personal "mad time" and misunderstandings over social media messages. In 2025, both fighters have moved past the drama, with Khan expressing deep regret for putting Joshua in the "firing line" for no reason.
Why Anthony Joshua Still Lives With His Mother
One of the most surprising facts about the heavyweight champion—and a major reason why he might still be single—is his living situation. Despite his immense wealth, Joshua still resides in an apartment with his mother, Yeta Odusanya.
He has famously stated that it would be difficult for any woman to "move in" and take the place of the woman who has been there since day one. In his 2023 BBC interview, he joked that he could meet a potential girlfriend "anywhere—the local supermarket or a petrol station," but his "marriage" to the sport of boxing and his dedication to his family remain his primary hurdles to settling down.
Anthony Joshua Dating Timeline at a Glance
| Person | Status | Year(s) |
| Nicole Osbourne | Confirmed (Mother of Son) | 2000s–2016 |
| Cara Delevingne | Rumored (Denied) | 2014 |
| Bella Hadid | Rumored (Denied) | 2017 |
| Faryal Makhdoom | Scandal (Debunked) | 2017 |
| Vick Hope | Rumored | 2018 |
| Samia Slimani | Current Rumor | 2025 |
Conclusion: The "Lone Wolf" of the Heavyweight Division
As of late 2025, Anthony Joshua remains arguably the most private athlete in the United Kingdom. While the Jake Paul fight brought "ring girls" like Marissa Ayers (who is actually dating NFL star Jaxson Dart) into his orbit, Joshua continues to keep his cards close to his chest.
Whether he eventually settles down with Samia Slimani or continues his "lone wolf" journey until his retirement, AJ’s dating history serves as a reminder that behind the massive muscles and the knockout power is a man who values the sanctity of his private life above all else.
Final Thought: In the world of high-stakes boxing, Joshua has mastered the art of the "poker face," both in the ring and in his personal life.
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