Unified heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, says the coronavirus pandemic is no joke.

Joshua noted this in a video on his YouTube channel where he urged people to stay safe as the pandemic sweeps across the globe.

The boxer, who also wished a speedy recovery to those who have tested positive for the disease, described COVID-19 as ‘no joke’.

“Wherever you are in the world, I’m just checking in personally for everyone to just say that I hope you’re all well, you’re all keeping safe,” he said in the video

Joshua added, “This is a message to say you’ve got my support, we’re all doing the right thing. To the people who are suffering from coronavirus, I wish you a speedy recovery because it is no joke.

“To the ones who have suffered, and lost loved ones, I want to say keep your head up. You’ve got my love. Blessings to you and your family and condolences.

“I’ve lost no one immediate to me but I’ve lost close ones from my boxing gym, close friends, friends of friends, and it gets serious when it starts coming closer to home.”

In March, the boxer placed himself in self-isolation after meeting with Prince Charles who had tested positive for coronavirus.