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 at Cage Fit Gym in Greycaine Road and funded by Clean Herts Community and Sports England.

@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

The gym moved to its new, bigger home six months ago, with this visit marking Joshua's first since the move.

Mohammed says the star was full of praise for the facilities, labelling them "10/10" and "a whole different level".

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

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

More to follow.