The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has congratulated Nigerian born British boxer, Anthony Joshua on his victory on Saturday against Mexican pugilist, Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Minister congratulated Mr Joshua for winning the World Heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia and commended him for not letting millions of Nigerians and other supporters across the globe down.
The Minister affirmed Joshua’s victory over Ruiz as a tonic to be savoured and called on the British-Nigerian pugilist to forge ahead in his career knowing that with hardwork and determination, he can surmount any obstacle on his way.
Mr. Dare who said that he followed the bout from round one to the last round, commended Joshua for exhibiting Nigeria’s never die spirit. He noted that though Joshua is a Briton, the fact that he has Nigerian blood means the Ministry and indeed Nigerians will continue to identify with him.
“It was a fight where the two boxers actually gave a good account of themselves but at the end, our own Joshua won. It is indeed a huge victory and quite remarkable. I celebrate Anthony. I was following the fight till he won”, he said.
“It is indeed celebration for Nigerians and lovers of boxing. It is memorable and we cherish the victory. And we are still basking in the euphoria of that hard earned victory”, the Minister added.
Anthony Joshua reclaimed the WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight titles from Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia’s “Clash on the Dunes” on Saturday night. Britain’s Joshua won a unanimous decision from the judges in Diriyah, near Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.
