Anthony Joshua delighted kids at a gym in Watford, wowing young fans and setting a punching machine record.

The Watford heavyweight boxer dropped in to visit boxing classes arranged by his community organisation, Clean Herts Community, which supports children and young people in the area.  

They are held free at Cage Fit Gyms in Greycaine Road and funded by Clean Herts Community and Sport England to ensure families can access opportunities without financial barriers.

@cagefitgyms A great surprise for our members & our kids yesterday! #watford #aj #cagefitgyms #cagefit #gym #boxing #mma @Anthony Joshua ♬ original sound - Cagefit Gyms

 

The 35-year-old stayed for almost two hours, delighting both children and parents, and while there showcased his notorious punching power, setting a record on the gym's newly installed punching machine.

Gym owner Mohammed Shafi said: "We'd just got the machine in from abroad and immediately he gives it a go and sets a record that I don't think is going to be beaten anytime soon!

"It had the desired effect as everyone is now trying to beat his score. Some of our older kids have come reasonably close but I don't see anyone beating him."

@cagefitgyms We've only just unboxed this but we think this record will be staying a while. #cagefitgyms #watford #gym #boxing #fyp #gymtok #mma #aj @Anthony Joshua ♬ original sound - Cagefit Gyms

A Clean Herts Community spokesperson added: "We were thrilled to see the positive impact the programme is having on our youth, and it was a privilege to have Anthony Joshua experience the facilities first-hand."

They continued: "One highlight of the day was when a parent of one of the young boxers presented Anthony with a homemade cake shaped like a boxing ring.

"He was genuinely touched by the warm reception and the strong turnout from the community."

The event was also attended by Watford mayor Peter Taylor, who has been a strong supporter of the initiative and contributed additional funding.

Anthony Joshua with Watford Mayor Peter Taylor.Anthony Joshua with Watford Mayor Peter Taylor. (Image: Clean Herts Community) Joshua finished the day signing autographs and taking photos with participants, with one of them saying "it was amazing to see AJ come down and spend time with us".

The Watford boxer shot to fame with a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics, before going on to become a two-time heavyweight champion. 

His next fight is yet to be confirmed, although speculation persists that he's eyeing a rematch with Daniel Dubois after his knockout defeat at Wembley last month.