We are nearing the end of 2017 and Anthony Joshua is the odds-on favorite to add the BBC Sports Personality of the year award to the IBF & WBA World heavyweight belts and 2012 Olympic Gold.

Anthony Joshua’s life story is a modern-day rag to riches, he was born in Watford to Nigerian parents in 1989.

He spent some of his early years in Nigeria, before returning to Watford halfway through year 7 and attending King Langley Secondary School

Joshua excelled at football and athletics, running the 100m in just 11.6 seconds when he was in year 9.

He only began Boxing in 2007, aged 18 when his cousin Ben Ileyemi took him to Finchley and District Boxing Club, where his life would be changed forever.

Joshua went to the London 2012 Olympics as a novice on the international stage but brought home the Gold medal after a dramatic victory over Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle. Joshua trailed by three points going into the final round against the defending champion, but a grandstand finish saw the judge score the fight 18-18, with Joshua claiming gold on countback

Anthony Joshua

Joshua began this year as IBF world heavyweight champion but added the WBA belt to his collection in an amazing win in front of 90,000 fans at the Wembley stadium, in a fight where he climbed off the canvas to twice floor Wladimir Klitschko, who is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time.

Joshua then faced late replacement Carlos Takam under the closed roof of the Principality Stadium in October and 80,000 fans got what they came to see when the referee waved off the fight in the 10th round to give Joshua the 20th Win of his career, all coming inside the distance.

Joshua is the overwhelming favorite at 2/7 to win the prestigious award with second favorite Lewis Hamilton who has just won a fourth Formula one driver’s title last month at 6/1 and third favorite Chris Froome 10/1 who won his fourth Tour de France in the summer.

Anthony Joshua

It’s been a standout year for Anthony Joshua he has amassed a huge following during his short career, having fought at various locations around the UK while building on his London 2012 Olympic success. His big personality makes him hugely popular with the general public and boxing fans alike. He is the hot favorite to be crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the year on December 17th.