Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos State.
Joshua, a British-Nigerian boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion, presented the president with an autographed glove inscribed with the words: “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban Borgu of Africa, Bola A. Tinubu.”
This was revealed by the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, through his X handle on Wednesday.
The post read: “Champ @anthonyjoshua pays homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Lagos. Presents him with his autographed glove.”
In December 2024, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, announced plans to construct a new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring as part of his administration’s sports development initiative.
The governor also confirmed that Joshua would light the Gateway Games National Sports Festival torch, an event rescheduled for May 2025.
Speaking during Joshua’s visit to his office in Abeokuta, Abiodun said: “Today, we officially confirm you as our sports ambassador. We also request that you light the Gateway Sports Festival torch.
“We will construct a state-of-the-art Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring at a stadium in Abeokuta, ensuring your frequent visits home. Additionally, we have decided to provide you with a new house in Sagamu.”
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds a potential heavyweight clash between Joshua and British rival Tyson Fury, projected to generate over $300 million. Both camps have expressed interest in hosting the fight at Wembley Stadium in 2025.
Following his recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury has dismissed retirement rumours and is keen on a showdown with Joshua, which could become the biggest fight in British boxing history.