Hypocritical Fans Slam British Boxer for Praying In Mosque

Boxing champion Anthony Joshua was targeted by conservative sports fans after he tweeted a photo of himself praying in a mosque, leading many to point out their hypocrisy for adoring Muhammad Ali.

Joshua, a British heavyweight fighter, had been vacationing in Dubai with family and friends before he was due back at training camp.

In an image posted Tuesday, Jan. 17, the athlete credited prayer for his success, which includes an 18-match winning streak, in addition to “luck, hard work and talent.”



Many conservative boxing fans lashed out at the fighter.

bobby b @bobby_2081
@TRobinsonNewEra @anthonyfjoshua didn't know he was a Muslim. Not a fan anymore.

7:58 AM - 17 Jan 2017

Proud Infidel @Clem_Fandango_
@TRobinsonNewEra @anthonyfjoshua If he converts to Islam, I'll be praying for his opponents from now on.

6:41 AM - 17 Jan 2017

deano @LindleyDean
@TRobinsonNewEra @anthonyfjoshua AJ u was doing everything right now your going to lose loads of fans! Me for one! #disgusting

7:20 AM - 17 Jan 2017

The backlash led other fans to take up for Joshua, pointing out others’ hypocrisy since many of them praised Ali even as they shun the 6’6″ Brit.

Raj @footy7tweets
It's so hypocritical how all the white people loved Muhammad Ali but hate Anthony Joshua for 1 pro Muslim tweet honestly!!

9:49 AM - 17 Jan 2017

Greg Hall @DirGregHall
I bet all these racist boxing fans getting flustered over Anthony Joshua were mourning Muhammad Ali last year without irony #dickheads

7:25 AM - 18 Jan 2017

Edwin @Edwin_AFC
"Fuck that Anthony Joshua and his backwards religion!!"

Then you ask Dave, 43 from Bradford his favourite boxer

"Oh Muhammad Ali 100%"

4:08 PM - 17 Jan 2017

Ricky Wright @MC_Ricky_Wright
The same people abusing Anthony Joshua for visiting a Mosque probably paid tribute to Muhammad Ali when he died last year. #Idiots

5:39 PM - 17 Jan 2017


Farhan @Farhannn15
Most of these people hating on Anthony Joshua's last tweet were probably fans of Muhammad Ali...

9:39 AM - 17 Jan 2017

Muhammad Ali, who would have been 75 years old the day Joshua posted his tweet, was a champion boxer with a record of 56 wins, six losses and 37 knockouts. He also was committed to his faith. Ali joined the Nation of Islam in 1964 and changed his name from Cassius Clay to his famous moniker. Under the religion, Ali sought the guidance of Malcolm X and aligned himself with Black causes like promoting self-fulfillment, since Islam focuses on Black empowerment, according to Atlanta Black Star.

 

But wait though...
Born: October 15, 1989 (age 27), Watford, United Kingdom
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 234 lbs