Anthony Joshua cuts out coffee and sugar from diet to maintain perfect mental health balance.

World heavyweight champion acknowledges impact unhealthy food and drink can have on his mood in build-up to fight

ANTHONY JOSHUA has cut coffee and sugar from his diet to maintain a perfect mental health balance.

The world heavyweight boxing champion acknowledges the impact unhealthy food and drink can have on his mood in the build-up to a fight.

Londoner Joshua, 28, believes he needs a positive, upbeat attitude to life as his pursuit to become king of boxing could send him crazy.

He said: “I try not to look at the negatives in life because if I did, I would probably have depression myself. It is very tough out there.

“I look at the good of it. I keep on rolling and having fun.

“Don’t let the highs get to your head. And don’t let the failures get to your heart.

Anthony Joshua cuts out sugar and coffee from his dietCredit: Alamy Live News

“Try to keep a good balance. That is the main key. Aim to keep balanced.

“I tried to stop drinking coffee as well because you spike and then you fall. It’s a big downer.

“Keep a balance across the whole board in your day-to-day life. Cut out sugar, it spikes you up.

“Diet is a massive issue when it comes to mental health, you don’t realise it.

“Not only what you are digesting with your food. But what you listen to and what you watch.

“You have to be careful what you take in across the whole board — because it has a massive effect on your emotional state.”

AJ, who holds the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight belts, has a wealth of £35million, according to the 2018 Sunday Times Rich List.

But deeply religious Joshua is the first to admit how fortunate he feels.

Speaking to Capital South Wales DJ Polly James, he said: “Do you know how lucky we are to be alive?

“There is someone right now, begging for a second chance at life.

“They may not even believe in God, but they are praying to someone.”

Anthony Joshua wants to become unified heavyweight world championCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Deontay Wilder holds the WBC heavyweight beltCredit: AP:Associated Press

Anthony Joshua says ‘I’m going to f*** him up’ when asked about Diontay Wilder fight and confirms fight will be in the UK

Joshua’s boxing priority this year is to fight unbeaten American Deontay Wilder in a massive unification fight that could earn him the WBC title and complete the collection.

AJ claims he owes it to UK fans to fight on home soil and ensure there are no dirty tricks.

He said: “If I go there, there are a lot of tricks they play in terms of referees and judges.

“That’s why I want to be at home where I am secure. Luckily, we have enough time to make the fight happen. We are working on it.

“We have just sent another draft email over to him. It’s technical jargon we are going through now.

“I have nothing to lose. I will rain down hell on him. I will f*** him up bad. I can definitely go to hell and back. And I enjoy it there as well. This time I will own it.”