Jason Quigley sought career advice from Anthony Joshua and talks about recovery from a broken hand
Former Sky Sports Scholar full of respect for 'AJ'
Thursday 29 April 2021 10:27, UK
In his latest column, Jason Quigley talks about career advice from Anthony Joshua, watching the Wembley drama, and recovering from a serious hand injury.
If Anthony Joshua's fight was a movie, you couldn't have written the script better. To beat Wladimir Klitschko anyway would have been amazing, but to go down and come through, when he was tired and still wobbly, and getting hit by big bombs - it showed Anthony's heart. Then to finally knock Wladimir out, that's a fairytale ending to a massive night for him.
I'm super proud for Anthony, because he was there for me when I wanted to turn professional. I was obviously involved with Sky Sports, I got his number, and was talking to him about whether I should stay amateur for the Olympics, or turn professional.
He gave me advice on what he thought I should do, because he went to the Olympics and turned pro afterwards.
He told me if turning professional will excite me, you go for it. I listened, obviously, I took his advice, and I moved on my career to where I am now. Joshua is a great lad, very supportive, always looking to give you help and positive feedback. He's an absolute gentleman.
He told me if turning professional will excite me, you go for it. I took his advice and I moved on my career to where I am now.
Katie Taylor was on the same Wembley bill and is a credit to Ireland. She is another example of a top-class athlete, inside and outside the ring. I think Katie might actually become the Wladimir Klitschko of her own era, because she's such a humble person, she is absolute class and I don't think there will be another person like her.
I headlined my own card in March at a sold-out venue in California, and it was something special. My first title fight against a credible, good opponent. I cannot complain about anything.
Of course, things did not go to plan as I broke my hand in the second round. But this is boxing, these are the hurdles you are dealt, but there was never a stage when I thought I could not continue. I was delighted to have done 10 rounds, win the fight, and it was something I will remember.
The week after the fight, I went in to get the operation, which was a 100 per cent success. The surgeon said I will make a full recovery, with no worries of things recurring, and the hand is as good as new.
I have two pins in my hand at the minute and I'm going into the doctors this week to get an x-ray. If the healing process is going well, I'll be getting the pins out, and I'll hopefully be fighting again in September, or maybe a bit later if all goes to plan.
