In the world of global sport, where champions are celebrated for their power, discipline, and public glory, the stories of those who stand quietly behind them often remain untold. Yeta Odusanya, the mother of British heavyweight boxing icon Anthony Joshua, is one such figure. Reserved, dignified, and deeply private, she has played an extraordinary role in shaping not only a world champion but also a grounded, family-centred man.
Originally from Nigeria and later settled in the United Kingdom, Yeta Odusanya’s life is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering maternal devotion. While she has never sought fame, her influence can be seen in her son’s values, discipline, and enduring respect for family. This biography-style profile explores her life in depth, celebrating the woman whose quiet strength helped mould one of Britain’s greatest sporting figures.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Yeta Odusanya |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Age (as of 2025) | Estimated late 50s to early 60s |
| Birthplace | Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian-British |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 5 in (estimated) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Dark brown |
| Education | Studied social care-related courses in the UK |
| Profession | Former social worker |
| Marital Status | Previously partnered with Robert Joshua |
| Children | Anthony Joshua |
| Known For | Mother of heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua |
| Estimated Net Worth | £500,000 – £1 million (family-linked estimate) |
Early Life and Education
Yeta Odusanya was born and raised in Nigeria, where she spent her formative years surrounded by a culture that placed great importance on respect, family loyalty, and hard work. Growing up in a traditional environment shaped her calm demeanour and strong moral compass, qualities that would later define her approach to motherhood.
While details of her early schooling remain private, it is known that she valued education highly. This belief would later influence her determination to ensure her son remained focused on discipline and learning, even when his athletic talent began to flourish. Her move to the United Kingdom marked a significant turning point in her life, as she adapted to a new culture while holding firmly onto her Nigerian roots.
In Britain, she pursued studies connected to social care, eventually qualifying to work as a social worker. This career choice reflected her natural empathy and commitment to helping others, traits that would later be evident in her parenting style.
Personal and Family Life
Yeta Odusanya’s personal life has largely been kept out of public scrutiny. She was in a relationship with Robert Joshua, with whom she had her only child, Anthony. The couple separated when Anthony was around 12 years old, a moment that placed new responsibilities squarely on Yeta’s shoulders.
Raising a teenage boy as a single mother in North London was no easy task. The area presented both opportunities and challenges, and Yeta worked hard to provide stability during a time when her son was navigating adolescence. She balanced her professional duties with firm but loving parenting, ensuring Anthony understood the importance of respect, accountability, and self-control.
Despite her son’s later global fame, Yeta has remained deeply private. She avoids interviews and public appearances, preferring to support Anthony from the background rather than share in the spotlight.
Relationship with Anthony Joshua
The bond between Yeta Odusanya and her son is one of the most striking aspects of her story. Anthony Joshua has repeatedly described his mother as his “number one” priority and his strongest support system. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and an unshakeable sense of family loyalty.
One of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship is Anthony’s long decision to continue living with his mother in the family home in North London, even after achieving immense wealth and success. For him, this choice symbolised gratitude and responsibility, rather than dependency. He has often spoken about wanting to look after his family and remain grounded, values instilled by Yeta from an early age.
Another notable detail is her absence from his fights. Anthony has openly admitted that he “banned” his mother from attending his bouts live, knowing how emotionally difficult it would be for her to watch him in such a dangerous sport. This decision reflects both his protectiveness towards her and her deep concern for his well-being.
Career Journey
Before her son became a household name, Yeta Odusanya built a respectable career as a social worker in the UK. Working in social services requires emotional resilience, patience, and a strong ethical foundation, qualities she possessed in abundance.
Her professional life was focused on supporting vulnerable individuals and families, often dealing with complex social issues. This experience undoubtedly influenced her parenting approach, equipping her with the tools to guide her son through difficult choices and challenging environments.
As Anthony’s boxing career took off, Yeta gradually stepped back from professional work, focusing more on family life. While she never became directly involved in his business affairs, her presence remained a constant source of emotional stability.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Yeta Odusanya’s life has not been without hardship. The breakdown of her relationship with Anthony’s father marked a significant emotional and practical challenge. Becoming a single mother required strength, adaptability, and sacrifice, particularly while raising a son in an inner-city environment.
Another challenge came with Anthony’s early brushes with trouble during his teenage years. Rather than turning away, Yeta maintained firm boundaries while continuing to offer unwavering support. Her belief in discipline and accountability played a crucial role in steering him towards boxing and, ultimately, a more focused path.
Watching her son rise through the ranks of professional boxing brought its own anxieties. The physical risks associated with the sport weighed heavily on her, reinforcing her preference to remain away from the arena during fight nights.
Current Life and Career
Today, Yeta Odusanya lives a quiet and comfortable life, largely removed from public attention. She continues to reside in the UK and remains closely involved in her son’s personal life, though always away from the cameras.
She does not maintain a public social media presence and rarely appears at high-profile events. Her lifestyle reflects modesty rather than extravagance, despite her son’s considerable wealth. Family, faith, and privacy remain her central priorities.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Estimating Yeta Odusanya’s personal net worth is challenging due to her private nature. Based on her former career and her close family ties, her estimated net worth is believed to fall between £500,000 and £1 million. This figure reflects long-term financial security rather than personal business ventures.
Her comfortable lifestyle is supported by family resources rather than personal commercial activities. She has never sought to monetise her association with her son’s fame, a decision that further underscores her values.
Public Image and Media Presence
In the public eye, Yeta Odusanya is seen as a dignified, strong, and protective mother. Media portrayals often describe her as calm and reserved, a woman who prefers substance over spectacle.
Fans of Anthony Joshua frequently credit her influence for his respectful manner, humility, and strong sense of responsibility. While she remains largely unseen, her impact is widely acknowledged whenever her son speaks about family and upbringing.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Despite her private nature, a few charming anecdotes have emerged over the years. Anthony has joked that his mother remains unimpressed by fame and treats him no differently than she did before his titles. He has also shared that her approval matters more to him than public praise.
Another lesser-known detail is her continued emphasis on discipline at home, even during the height of her son’s success. To her, respect and responsibility have always outweighed trophies and headlines.
Conclusion
Yeta Odusanya’s story is not one of celebrity ambition or public recognition, but of quiet strength and enduring influence. As a mother, social worker, and pillar of support, she has shaped not only a world champion athlete but a grounded individual rooted in family values.
Her journey from Nigeria to the UK, through single motherhood and life behind the scenes of global fame, reflects resilience, humility, and unwavering love. In many ways, her legacy lives on not through public accolades but through the character and conduct of her son, a testament to the power of steadfast parental guidance.
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(FAQs)
Who is Yeta Odusanya?
Yeta Odusanya is the mother of British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and a former social worker.
Was she married to Anthony Joshua’s father?
She was in a long-term relationship with Robert Joshua, but they separated when Anthony was around 12.
Does Yeta Odusanya attend Anthony Joshua’s fights?
No, she does not attend his fights live, as Anthony has said it is too stressful and emotionally difficult for her.
What is her profession?
She previously worked as a social worker before stepping back to focus on family life.
What is Yeta Odusanya’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is believed to be between £500,000 and £1 million, reflecting a comfortable but modest lifestyle.