The President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun have congratulated boxer Anthony Joshua after his victory over Jermaine Franklin on Sunday.
Joshua lost his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles to Ukrainian pugilist Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. The 33-year-old locked horns with Usyk in a rematch last August, but he still failed to defeat the Ukrainian.
Nonetheless, Joshua returned to the ring after a seven-month break in a bout against Franklin in London.
The 38-year-old totally dominated the fight albeit he failed to knock out the American in twelve rounds. He won the bout by unanimous decision, defeating his American opponent 118-111, 117-111, 117-111.
Following Joshua’s victory, some notable Nigerians sent congratulatory messages to the former world champions.
President Buhari wrote, “I celebrate Anthony Joshua’s victory over a formidable opponent. He has demonstrated that through hard work, dedication, discipline, persistence, and humility, those who dare do win. I pray that this will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
President-elect Tinubu also hailed him. “Congratulations Champ! Anthony Joshua.
Determination and perseverance always pays off. Nigeria is proud of you!
OYO NEWS adds that Abiodun described the victory of the Ogun state indigene and former international boxing champion as a great comeback and heart-warming, noted that Joshua, with his latest feat, has made Nigeria and Ogun proud once again.
While calling on Joshua to use his latest triumph in the ring as a spring for a superb comeback, the governor urged him not to relent, but continue to work hard in order to regain his pride of place in the world of boxing.