On the day that Anthony Joshua is set for a major bout at the world-famous Wembley Stadium against Daniel Dubois, it has been revealed that his lawyer saved his career many years ago when he was facing arrest for drugs charges.
The British heavyweight star is looking to re-establish himself in the world of boxing after an up and down last few years, but nobody can dispute the successful career he has already had.
Luckily for Joshua, in years gone by, he has had several key people in his corner to keep him out of potential danger, and perhaps none more important than his lawyer Tony Wyatt.
Arrest in 2011 was a turning point
Anthony Joshua was arrested in 2011 ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in his native London for having a bag of marijuana in his car after the police had stopped him.
It was a time when Joshua was making a name for himself as an amateur boxing, with many believing that he was destined for the top.
“The case would have led to a very different career and life for him if it had not gone this way,” Wyatt told the Daily Mail.
“Without getting into the detail, you cannot represent someone who tells you they are guilty. The reality is sometimes it is very apparent someone is guilty and you have to give them some very solid advice.
“The problem was if Josh had been convicted of possession with intent to supply, he would never have been allowed to box for Team GB, and he was already their Super Heavyweight.
“If he was found guilty he would have lost his ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) licence.”
Thankfully for Joshua, Wyatt‘s appeal to the judge got him out of jail time.
“I said this was one of those scenarios where we can save this young man’s future,” Wyatt said about his proposal to the judge.
“We can make sure this mistake does not take away a future that none of us ever had available and one that is available to almost no one ever.
“I said we can make sure that he does not lose out because of a youthful mistake and at the same time we can do something positive.”