Former WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has recently adopted an unconventional training method.
It was revealed last week that Joshua shelled out $2000 for a retreat into the shadows. This entailed spending an uninterrupted four days in a pitch-black room devoid of any source of light or external stimuli.
This extraordinary practice is designed to push the boundaries of mental resilience and enhance focus, ultimately contributing to an athlete’s peak performance.
Taking to social media, the 34-year-old shared his anticipation and commitment to this unique endeavor. He stated, “Myself and [my friend] are about to embrace the darkness and solitude for four days (separate rooms).”
“Isolated with nothing to do except relax and clear the mind while being immersed in infinite darkness.”
The darkness retreat is not merely an isolated program by Joshua. It aligns with a broader practice of meditation aimed at facilitating athletes’ ability to confront their innermost thoughts and emotions.
UFC’s Jiri Prochazka also underwent a similar ordeal sometime last year.
NFL star Aaron Rodgers has previously attested to the transformative power of this method. Rodgers shared on McAfee’s YouTube podcast: “It was a great reset for me, for my body and my mind. Maybe a little bit longer than I needed. I feel like by the time I got to the fourth day, I was like, ‘Alright, I’m ready to come out’.”
Since his win against Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena in London, Joshua has been linked to a potential bout against Deontay Wilder. As of now, no concrete developments have emerged.
Joshua recently acknowledged that despite his Olympic Gold and numerous world titles, there are aspects of his journey that he would approach differently.
He disclosed to Men’s Health, “Wake up, get on with your day, train. After losing fights, you question yourself and start realising the mental side is as important.”
“I would have been more disciplined. I don’t know if that would have made me better, but I would have done things more professionally.”