Tom Chiahemen
By Lawrence Oshodi (SPORTS CORRESPONDENT) –
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has hailed the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin, at O2 Arena in London on Saturday.
The Nigerian President, in a statement by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, commended the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent.
Saturday’s victory against the tough American came after Joshua’s painful loss in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last year.
According to SkySports, the Nigerian boxer took “a clear unanimous decision, 118-111 and 117-111 twice.”
Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, President Buhari said the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.
President Buhari lauded Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
He believed that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage would continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.
The President wished Joshua a bright future and fulfilling career.
While this fight was his first without at least one world title on the line in seven years, for Joshua it was still one of his most crucial. A third consecutive loss, for a star of Joshua’s calibre, would have left his further aspirations in tatters, SkySport said in its report.
It noted that in the build up to the contest he himself said he would retire, such were the stakes for him going into this fight. The win, however, propels him back once again towards his more accustomed place at the upper end of the heavyweight division.
The grim set to Joshua’s expression once he stepped into the ring was perhaps an indication of that pressure. He barely acknowledged the wild cheers that rang out for him as he stood in his corner waiting for the first bell.
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