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Anthony Joshua receives horrific anti-Muslim abuse

Photo credit: Anthony Joshua / Twitter
Photo credit: Anthony Joshua / Twitter

From Digital Spy

British boxer Anthony Joshua has been subjected to a tirade of vile abuse from Twitter trolls after he posted a picture of himself praying in a mosque.

The IBF heavyweight world title holder visited the mosque while in Dubai, but has had so-called 'fans' posting disgusting replies and threatening and racist comments.

He wrote on Twitter: "Besides luck, hard work & talent... Prayer is a solid foundation. It was nice to join my brother as he led through afternoon prayer (asr)."

Anthony has previously said he doesn't follow any particular religion, but has an active interest in all faiths and wants to learn about them.

Below are a few of the milder tweets that followed his original post – we have chosen not to include the very worst of the abuse, which included a torrent of anti-Islamic insults.

Some Twitter users threatened to unfollow the boxer, who's currently in training for his fight with Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April.

Others called for him to be banned from the fight, with some pledging to support Klitchscko instead.

However, many fans were quick to challenge the abusive behaviour and support Anthony:

"I'm not going to dig anyone for their beliefs or anything like that, but I definitely feel religion is a big part of life, whether you believe in it or not, in everyone's day-to-day life religion's a big part," Anthony previously told PA.

"Prayer and so on, and beliefs, is definitely important to me. I don't have a preferred religion. I'd have to do research.

"I was born a Christian but as I've grown into my own man I don't attach myself to a religion, 100 per cent I have faith. Then, it's locking into what suits me."

Anthony's upcoming fight with Wladimir Klitschko has already broken records – over 80,000 tickets have now been sold for their clash, which takes place on April 29.


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