Top boxer Anthony Joshua wants to be a knockout in the movies as well as in the ring.
Insiders have revealed that the Watford-born former heavyweight world champion has been approached to appear in four blockbuster Hollywood films — including the fourth instalment of the Rocky spin-off Creed.
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A pal told me: “Aj is fully committed to training right up until the moment he retires from boxing but offers from Hollywood are already pouring in.
“He can’t devote the time to extra projects at the moment but his team are mulling over the offers to see what he could take on if the time was right.
“Aj has already been approached to star in four major films, with top acting agents all clamouring to sign him.
“His good friend Michael B. Jordan is also keen for him to appear in Creed 4 and will do anything to make it work.
“The future is really bright. Perhaps Idris Elba isn’t the only shout to play the next James Bond.”
As well as being approached to try his hand at acting, my insider said the boxer was also talking to various people about moving into financing films, a similar move to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. They added: “Aj has a powerful voice and is incredibly popular.
“He has been approached about the prospect of executive producing films and helping to finance them. Nothing is off the table.”
He made his ambitions away from the ring clear earlier this month, when he joined Creed star Michael at an acting workshop organised by the boxer’s community charity Clean Herts Community.
Hamilton star Samuel Sarpong-Broni and actor Jack O’Connell were also at the event, which was put on to inspire the next generation of British acting stars.
Aj surprised them with an invite to the premiere of Michael’s film Sinners, which also features Jack, last week.
Aj’s charity, which helps young people from a number of different backgrounds, means a huge amount to him.
At Christmas he headed down to Watford General Hospital to hand out gifts to the staff and patients.
He’s also used the organisation to launch a number of physical and educational programs, from football camps to cooking and science classes in his hometown.
He’s a proper good egg.
