At just 23 years old, Joshua Iyalla’s name is etched into history as a Guinness World Record holder – not once, but three times over.
But behind the speed of the world’s fastest punch lies a story not just of strength, but of struggle, reinvention, and faith.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Born and raised in Leicester, with British-Nigerian roots, Joshua’s journey began humbly in Leicester Forest East, before moving to Stanton Under Bardon and later Manchester in pursuit of broader horizons. Though Leicester no longer defines him, it will always be home.
“Leicester will always have a special place in my heart,” Joshua reflects. “But I was a very different person when I was younger. I got bullied at school, so not all the memories are fond. Still, the time I had with family and friends made it special.”
From Stafford Leys Primary to South Charnwood High and later Brookvale Groby College, Joshua always pushed himself. His dream was Oxford. With predicted A*s in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, it seemed within reach. But when the rejection email arrived, it felt like the world stopped.
“I remember the exact place I was when I opened the result. I didn’t get in. I was heartbroken—it had always been Oxford or nothing,” he shares.
But it turned out to be the redirection he never knew he needed. At the University of Leeds, where he studied Mathematics, Joshua discovered not only a scholarship in sport but also his passion for content creation. In 2019, he began sharing martial arts videos online. For two years he saw little growth—just 2,000 followers. Meanwhile, his peers surged ahead.
“It was so frustrating. I was doing a full-time degree, creating content daily, and competing as an athlete. I couldn’t even afford to go out with friends,” he tells the Leicester Times.
Then, in 2021, everything changed. His social media exploded from 2,000 to 100,000 followers in weeks. A brand deal followed. Financial stability arrived. And the confidence that came with it shifted his entire mindset.
“I realised I was capable of so much more. I balanced three full-time roles at once—student, athlete, and content creator. That was the beginning of everything.”
Joshua’s martial arts journey began when he was just seven, forced into it after years of bullying. He admits he hated it until age 16, when he began competing for England.
“From seven to sixteen, I couldn’t stand it. But then I got good. Martial arts changed everything—it’s the root of my business, my content, my discipline. It’s why I am where I am today.”
That discipline carried him to the ultimate goal—setting a Guinness World Record for the most full extension punches in one minute.
At first, the idea seemed unreachable. But post-graduation, armed with confidence, he went for it and achieved 453 on April 17.
“I poured everything into it. I lost sleep over it. And when I did it—I broke the record—it was the most overwhelming experience of my life.”
One record wasn’t enough. In just two hours, he went on to break two more Guinness World Records: the most full extension punches wearing boxing gloves in one minute (374) and the most full extension punches in one minute holding 1 kg weights (333).
Picture credit: Joshua Iyalla Instagram
The accomplishment changed not only how the world sees him, but how he sees himself.
“Now I believe I can do anything. I’m not just a content creator anymore—I’m a world-class athlete. And no one can take that away from me.”
Still, he remains grounded in his faith and his family. Despite global attention—including coverage by ESPN and Fox News—he says Jesus, his parents, and brothers are his foundation.
“Without Jesus, I wouldn’t be here. And my family—they’re my rock. I owe them everything.”
Though tight-lipped about future projects, Joshua hints at a move into music, and he’s clear that he’s not limiting himself to one path.
“Sport, music, business—I’m coming for it all,” he says. “People might call me deluded, but I believe I can do everything. And I’m here to prove those people wrong.”
When asked what message he wants to leave behind, Joshua is direct:
“The only thing stopping you is you. Small minds will tell you what you can’t do. Don’t listen. I went from living an okay life to living the life of my dreams—and so can you.”
For those currently facing bullying, racism, or self-doubt, his message is simple but powerful:
“Turn adversity into strength. Learn to defend yourself. Use the pain as fuel. If I hadn’t been bullied, maybe I wouldn’t be here now. It’s all part of God’s plan.”
Joshua Iyalla isn’t just punching fast—he’s punching through barriers, expectations, and every limitation placed in his path. And he’s not done yet.
To follow him, go to: https://www.instagram.com/joshua_iyalla
