Heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua ‘proud’ of Will Smith and offers him punching advice ‘for next time’

Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is facing criticism after claiming he was ‘proud’ of Will Smith for hitting Chris Rock and offering him advice on how to improve his technique ‘for next time’.

The Ali star, who picked up the gong for best actor for his role in King Richard, was widely condemned after slapping Oscars host Rock following a joke the comic made about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Rock had mocked Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which is a result of alopecia, which prompted the 53-year-old to storm on stage and slap Rock across the face.

After returning to his seat, Smith then shouted, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth’ twice, with the stunned audience suddenly realising it was not a skit but something rather more serious.

Later, during his acceptance speech, Smith apologised for his actions – though did not acknowledge Rock – and on Monday he posted a lengthy statement deploring violence and finally apologising directly to the comic, saying his slap was ‘out of line’.

The Academy announced it will launch a formal review over the incident, with Smith largely facing a backlash for his actions – though not everyone was quite so appalled.

The likes of Piers Morgan, Tiffany Haddish and even a Tory MP have all defended Smith, and now former heavyweight champion Joshua has also taken the side of the Independence Day actor.

Shortly before the London 2012 Olympics, gold medallist Joshua – and several other British hopefuls – met with Smith as he promoted the release of Men in Black 3.

As well as attending the film’s premiere, the then largely unknown Joshua also had a little sparring session with Smith – who, of course, famously played Muhammad Ali on the big screen.

Taking to Instagram after the shocking scenes at the