Accolades have come the way of Anthony Joshua after he defeated Kubrat Pulev at the SSE Arena, London to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO world titles on Saturday.
Joshua knocked out Pulev in the ninth round of their bout to retain the belts, his first fight since reclaiming the belts from Andy Ruiz December 2019.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) said Joshua’s victory was something to cheer for Nigerians and boxing lovers across the world.
Buhari in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, described Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the decisive victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua over Kubrat Pulev Saturday night.
“The President says by retaining his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, Joshua has given boxing lovers around the world, and particularly in Nigeria, something to cheer.
“He recalls his meeting with the heavyweight champion in London earlier in the year, describing Anthony Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man, who will still go places.
“President Buhari wishes Joshua all the best in his dream fight against Tyson Fury, saying he has the prayers and goodwill of Nigerians going with him.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said, “The courage, tenacity and die hard spirit you displayed against Pulev is an attestation of your hardwork, commitment and discipline which has kept you at the top.
“Once again, you not only made us proud, but proved to the world that you are the best in the Heavyweight class. We urge you not to relent in sustaining your pole position in world boxing.”
In his congratulatory message, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said Joshua’s victory was a justification of the state’s investment in sports and youth development.
“AJ’s victory gives us, Ogun State people, immeasurable joy, as the IBF, WBA and WBO title holder retained his place at his outing against Kubrat Pulev yesterday (Saturday).
“So this is to congratulate, on behalf of the good people of the Gateway State, our very own Anthony Joshua on the world-celebrated victory that has brought us pride and a justification for our investment in sports and youth development,” Abiodun wrote on Facebook.
Other Nigerians including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala also congratulated Joshua over his victory.