3rd April, 2023
By Emmanuel Afonne
Minster of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare has said Nigerian-UK boxer, Anthony Joshua, fought like a lion to defeat his opponent, American Jermaine Franklin in an international bout on Saturday.
The former world heavyweight boxing champion defeated Franklin by unanimous decision at the 02 Arena in London on Saturday.
The victory was the first to be recorded by Joshus his September 2022 loss to Oleksandr Uysk in Saudi Arabia
Dare noted in his congratulatory message to the Nigerian-British fighter noted that he fought like a lion to defeat his American challenger.
“The former world champion demonstrated the heart of a lion in the encounter and his victory was well-deserved.’’ Dare stated in his congratulatory message.
The minister praised Joshua for keeping alive the “never-say-die’’ spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“You never gave up. With an undying spirit, you clutched victory when it mattered most.
“We will continue to cheer you on,’’ Dare wrote.
Joshua is expected to fight with Tyson Fury this summer after a dominant win over Franklin in his ring return.
The former world champion said after defeating Franklin that he and promoter Eddie Hearn were keen to organise a bout with Fury, with deal points already agreed from their failed December 2022 fight.
(NAN)