TheCable

Anthony Joshua, world heavyweight boxing champion, has been presented with an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to sport.

The investiture marks the latest accolade Joshua has collected after he was also given an MBE in 2013.

Prince Charles had also awarded Joshua his MBE back in 2013.

When the imposing fighter shook hands with the prince after the presentation five years ago, he said Charles joked with him, saying: “Shouldn’t you be playing basketball?”

Speaking about his OBE after the Buckingham Palace ceremony, Joshua said: “It’s understanding what I’ve done and I feel like in terms of services to sport it’s like creating an economy and it helps people from different backgrounds.”

Joshua, who grew up in Watford, said boxing provides opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.

He said: “In boxing you meet people, you inspire them and they do the same. You never know where it could take someone. That’s important.

“It’s not just the medal, it’s what I’ve done to achieve it.”