Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua spoke at a Black Lives Matter protest in London on Saturday as unrest continues following the death of George Floyd.
Joshua took to his hometown of Watford to address a massive crowd. He risked the contraction of coronavirus without adhering to any social distancing.
The current WBO, WBA, IBO, and IBF belt holder, on crushes and sporting one black glove, displayed his passion for the cause as he took to the microphone.
Anthony Joshua
“We can no longer sit back and remain silent on these senseless, unlawful killings and sly racism against another human being. Based on what? Only their skin color,” said Joshua.
“We need to speak out in peaceful demonstrations. Just like today, so well done, Watford.
“We must not use a demonstration for selfish motives. Not turn it into rioting and looting,” he added.
Mass gatherings are prohibited in the United Kingdom but have spilled over from the United States after a police officer killed Floyd.
Derek Chauvin killed Floyd. The former Minneapolis cop pressed his neck on the 43-year-old for almost nine minutes.
America initially erupted in violence. However, things have calmed down from the first few days of looting and fires.
Attention has begun to turn to how police handle the protests after a 75-year-old man was shoved to the floor in New York.
Two officers were suspended, leading to the whole department of Buffalo Emergency Responders resigning in their dissatisfaction.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was distraught at what was caught on video. The incident was shared around the world.
“I was deeply disturbed by the video,” Brown said. “After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, police leadership, and community members, tonight’s event is disheartening.”
Pulev
The presence of Joshua in the UK airing his thoughts on the current climate will be of enormous importance to his fans.
As for his injury, nothing further has been added. This is despite the 30-year-old being due to face Kubrat Pulev later this year.
Furthermore, Pulev is number one with the IBF.
