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Anthony Joshua Reveals Bizarre Addiction Almost Derailed His Boxing Career

Anthony Joshua Reveals Bizarre Addiction Almost Derailed His Boxing Career

It could have been very different...

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Anthony Joshua has admitted that a certain habit almost cost him his boxing career.

It has emerged that AJ was addicted to FIFA, to the point it affected his sleep and recovery during crucial times in his development as a boxer.

The 26-year-old, who is undefeated after wins over the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Carlos Takam, said that he almost derailed his career in boxing thanks to his unhealthy addiction to FIFA.

Image: Complex
Image: Complex

To be fair, I admit to buying hundreds of FIFA Ultimate Team packs in the past. It's not healthy at all and Joshua knows exactly how it feels.

"I used to play FIFA until it affected boxing. I had to stop playing because it affected my sleep and recovery. I could stay up till five in the morning playing it, get up at seven and train. That's how mad it was, it wasn't healthy," he told The Sun.

FIFA addiction is real, folks.

FIFA
FIFA

It was revealed last year that FIFA Ultimate Team packs could be banned as they are considered gambling.

Spending money on FIFA and spending money on gambling could be seen as just as addictive as each other and according to the Belgian gambling commission 'loot boxes' like those used in Overwatch and Star Wars Battlefront II are gambling.

"The mixing of money and addiction is gambling."

Of course, Ultimate Team packs would come under a similar umbrella with players not knowing what is coming in each pack.

Belgium's Minister of Justice Koen Geens agreed with the verdict of the gambling commission adding, "Mixing gambling and gaming, especially at a young age, is dangerous for the mental health of the child."

Do you think that FIFA Ultimate Team is gambling? Have you been addicted to FIFA?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Boxing News, Football, Anthony Joshua, Boxing