Anthony Joshua was ‘hurt and upset’ by criticism of the speech he read out during a Black Lives Matter protest in Watford, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
The heavyweight champion addressed the crowd in his hometown, delivering an impassioned speech written by his friend Reece Campbell who he said was unable to attend.
In a short clip of the address which was posted to social media, he said: ‘Show them where it hurts.
‘Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.’
He went on to call for Britons to ‘speak out in peaceful demonstrations’, but to not ‘use these demonstrations for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting.’
The reference to ‘their’ shops provoked an avalanche of online criticism, and Hearn admitted that the former Olympic champion has been stung by it.
Anthony Joshua read out a speech written by a childhood friend during the Black Lives Matter protest in Watford
‘He read someone’s speech out, which he may have phrased differently, if he had read it himself,’ Hearn told Sky Sports News.
‘People want to interpret the words of that in many different ways. I’ve seen some strange thoughts of what that was supposed to mean.’
Hearn went on to add that Joshua’s commitment to his local community is a significant one and he is planning a million pound-plus investment in Watford.
‘It wasn’t his words, but he did speak some of his own words as well, which was about uplifting his community, investing in his community, which is Watford, and he’s got a seven-figure investment that he’s putting into his own town soon to give people more opportunities.
Eddie Hearn revealed that the heavyweight champion has been upset by criticism
‘He spoke about gang culture being dead, he spoke about making sure that all gatherings and protests were peaceful ones. There were so many positives that came out of what he said.
‘I’ve known Anthony Joshua for eight years. I know him inside out. It hurts when some of the accusations have been flying his way.
‘So many businesses as well to start realising that we have to make change, because racism is something that runs deep throughout this country. It’s here now and it’s historical, and it has to change.
‘I think conversation is good, and I’m very proud of Anthony of his mindset of speaking up and trying to promote what he has always tried to promote, which is to uplift people, to motivate people, to do better, to be better, and to be better people.
Joshua was seen at the peaceful demonstration in his hometown of Watford at the weekend
After seeing some of the criticism online, Joshua responded with a message on Instagram.
He wrote: ”If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself! If you watch the whole video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead.
‘I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community.
‘Shops aren’t the issue here. Before you talk s*** you better boycott racism.
‘I said what I said and I will act to make change.’
The anti-racism protest was one of many taking place across the globe following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States on May 25.
Police officer Derek Chauvin has since been charged with second degree murder after a video emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while he laid on the floor in handcuffs.
His death has sparked a series of protests across the US and solidarity demonstrations around the world.
Joshua wore a hoodie with Black Lives Matter on the front in support of the movement
Hundreds turned out for the Black Lives Matter protest march in Watford
Speaking at the rally last Saturday, Joshua went on to explain that the death of Floyd was the catalyst for the protests.
‘But I know I’ve taken my street knowledge and put it into the corporate world and I’ve gained a lot of respect in that sense. So anyway, gang culture is done,’ he said.
‘So, where was I. We have to engage with the youth and put an end to black youth gang culture. This postcode war – how many houses do we own on that postcode that we’re fighting for?
‘Let’s inject the vaccine. Every life matters – 100 per cent I agree with that. But that does include black lives and that’s why we’re here today.
‘George Floyd – we’re all aware of his name – was the catalyst in a list that is already way, way, way too long.’
Joshua’s appearance on crutches also saw fans fear that the heavyweight boxer sustained a serious injury.
However, spokesperson for the 30-year-old confirmed to Sportsmail that his injury is not serious, saying: ‘Anthony felt a slight twinge in his knee whilst training.
‘The brace Is a precautionary measure on the advise of physios. It will be further checked by his doctors but there is no immediate concern.’