President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua over Jermaine Franklin, commending the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a tough opponent.
In a statement on Saturday, Femi Adesina, Special Assistant to the President, hailed the Nigeria-born boxer’s fortitude.
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Extolling Joshua’s mindset, the President said that the former three-time world heavyweight champion has shown that those who dare can succeed through hard work, patience, dedication, persistence, and humility adding that he did not let his own setbacks or obstacles break his resilient spirit.
President Buhari lauded Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring and prayed that his success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
The President believed that Joshua’s accomplishments on the world stage would continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.
He wished Joshua a bright future and a fulfilling career.
Joshua returned to winning ways after a unanimous points triumph against an American, Franklin, at the London 02 Arena.
It is Joshua’s first win in over two years, losing consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk.