Is there anything Anthony Joshua can’t do? In between his successful 2020 title retention and his next fight, the sports mega-star took to the presenter’s chair to broadcast his first-ever radio show with long-standing brand partner, JD.
The one-off, four-hour special saw Anthony Joshua take over JD’s social channels and was broadcast digitally via TikTok, an industry-first for a retailer. The boxing heavyweight champ was joined by co-hosts Ace (BBC 1Xtra) and Henrie (No Signal Radio) to put on a knockout program that kept JD fans around the world energised throughout another lockdown weekend.
Chart toppers Headie One, Ghetts and hotly tipped newcomer Potter Payper gave exclusive performances of their respective tracks ‘Ain’t It Different’, ‘Mozambique’ and ‘Purpose’.
Joshua was also asked about his upcoming fight with fierce rival, Fury, to which he answered: “I don’t know what it is for him, but all I want to do is beat him. He’s in my industry and we’re both front runners, but I want to be number one – this is to be undisputed world heavyweight champion”
The Champ continued “Enough of this Twitter back and forth, it’s about securing the fight and putting on a good show and using my energy to uplift people not bring them down. I don’t want to demonise his character and use my energy to bring someone down. I know I can beat him, I believe it and I will prove it.”
“Potter got me hyped right now, so right now all I’m thinking about is fight fight. So in June I’m looking to defend my titles and I’m looking to claim one more as well. I want all the smoke, I’m looking to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I’ve been chasing it, I’m born for it and I’m definitely going to do it.”
Surrey’s very own comedic prodigy and cultural commentator Munya Chawawa also joined Anthony Joshua to chat, play Articultae and even challenged the heavyweight to a game of ‘Him or Hearn’ – a game that tested how well the global superstar knows the infamous boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
Throughout the day, listeners were treated to a Joshua’s personal playlists, from the tracks that get him pumped up for the ring, to the beats he likes to chill to, and a few cheesy guilty pleasures thrown in for good measure
Speaking about the King of the Airwaves event, AJ commented: “Getting to have my own radio show and be King of The Airwaves for a day has been the perfect way to top off an amazing week! My JD family know how much I love my music, so to be able to control the airwaves, play my favourite songs and see my favourite artists perform has been a great treat.”
“The UK music scene is also absolutely thriving right now, so getting to host some of the greats like Headie, Ghetts and Potter Payper was a real privilege as I love those guys.”
Stuart Flint, Head of Global Business Solutions, Europe, TikTok, said, “Bringing AJ and JD together on TikTok to share stories, laughter and music is what our platform is all about, and we were delighted to support the Champ with this very special LIVE. Like TikTok, JD has a highly creative community that demands two-way, authentic engagement. This is the perfect example of how a bold brand leans into that demand, working together hand in glove to celebrate a truly cultural icon on the platform that is shaping culture right now.”
For more information about JD or to check out the latest products in sportswear and fashion retail, please log on to www.jdsports.co.uk or follow JD on Instagram via @jdofficial.
