The heavyweight champion of the world is having a face off, looking through the eyes of the opponent and deep into his soul. Actually into her soul, I think, because today’s opponent isn’t a Klitschko but a West Country ewe. “Mate, sheep here look like they’re from the ghetto,” says Anthony Joshua, with a nervous laugh.
To be honest, neither of them looks comfortable. “What’s the worst that can happen, do you know where I’m coming from?” says the champ.
I do know; he’s coming from Watford, and the worst that can happen is that Bear Grylls can show up hanging off a helicopter. Which is exactly what does happen. Bear swoops out of the sky like a raptor, accompanied by the sound of the White Stripes, gets a hold of the famous boxer, clips him on and flies off with him. Bear’s Mission With Anthony Joshua (ITV), it’s called.
The mission is to climb Bosigran Ridge, AKA Commando Ridge, a rocky outcrop that looks like a giant marine iguana crawling out of the Atlantic ocean on the Cornish coast. Climbing-wise, it’s not so hard, but if you’re a city boy who is scared of heights, it’s a big deal. Yes, Joshua might be the hardest hitter on the planet, but this is is not his comfort zone. Plus he’s got maggots for tea to look forward to, and a night in the open, creepy crawlies, maybe more sheep. It’s like he’s in the wrong Stallone movie. Rambo? I thought you said Rocky …
To be honest, I’m surprised Joshua’s people allowed such a top athlete (and asset) to mess about playing survivor on the coast. And a heavyweight boxer really isn’t the right shape or size for scrambling up and down cliffs. But AJ throws himself into it and off it, just about clambers up, down and across. While, of course, bonding malely with Bear. They chat about growing up, and dads (both having one and being one), and how Joshua still lives with his mum. The boxer is immensely likable – unless you’re in the ring with him I imagine.
There’s a bit of that as we get to witness what is essentially boxersize in a field. But they’re still very much on Bear’s patch. I’d like to see a proper rematch, in an inner-city gym … no, make that Wembley Stadium, with robes, flames, entrance tunes. Bear’s Mission With Anthony Joshua II: In the Ring.
