Anthony Joshua admits he fears the effect boxing will have on his brain, with the new IBF heavyweight world champion only too aware of the danger he puts himself in each time he enters the ring.

Joshua won gold at the London Olympics in 2012 having taken up the sport aged 18 following brushes with the law, and the orthodox fighter conceded how spending time in prison helped him break free from his chequered past.

Speaking to the Evening Standard's ES Magazine, the 26-year-old opened up about his career in boxing and was unequivocal with his answer when asked what he fears in his profession.

Anthony Joshua has opened up about his brushes with the law, his fears in boxing and the late Muhammad Ali

The IBF heavyweight world champion is aware of the dangers of boxing after Nick Blackwell's retirement

'Two things: losing all I have worked so hard for and being unable to provide for my son's future,' he began. 'And secondly, the effect boxing is having on my brain.

'I know if I don't look after myself I will be talking to you in a couple of years' time mumbling my words, and slurring. It won't be because I am drunk it will be the fighting, taking blow after blow to the brain.

'That scares me. I don't worry about being killed in the ring, it's losing my mind that I fear.'

Joshua, who was raised by his first-generation Nigerian parents in Watford, was pulled over by police in 2011 and charged with intent to supply after being found with 8oz of cannabis.

Faced with the prospect of 10 years in jail, he acknowledged he could 'either fight and get into trouble on the street, or fight and get paid in the ring.'

The 26-year-old very nearly didn't make the 2012 Olympics team for Great Britain due to his indiscretions

Joshua has got his life back on track and the man from Watford is eyeing world heavyweight domination

He chose the ring, and having turned professional in 2013, he defeated Charles Martin in April to claim the IBF heavyweight belt.

That night at the O2 Arena, Joshua emulated Muhammad Ali in wearing white, and the Brit paid tribute to the late fighter who too came from humble beginnings.

'Ali was a legend of our sport [he says of his late hero],' Joshua added. 'He changed boxing forever.

'For me as a kid he inspired me to represent myself like a champion in and out of the ring. I never got the chance to meet him [but] his legacy will live on.'

Anthony Joshua sporting a Muhammad Ali T Shirt while greeting fans at the Corinthia Hotel in London

Muhammad Ali steps away from a punch thrown by Joe Frazier during their heavyweight in 1971