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Joshua Grateful To Nigeria, Departs For Next Fight - Sports - Nairaland 5ti2p

Joshua Grateful To Nigeria, Departs For Next Fight (19587 Views)

Great100000: 9:52am On Apr 24

Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for the “energy, generosity and kindness” shown to him during his stay in the country as he departs to prepare for his next fight.

The British-Nigerian fighter, who has been spending time in his ancestral homeland to complete his rehabilitation from an injury, shared his appreciation through a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram .

“Nigeria, thank you for your energy, generosity & kindness,” Joshua wrote in what many fans interpreted as a farewell message ahead of his return to England.

Several fans then commented, wishing the 35-year-old success as he returns to the ring.

Gbadia Figheghawei wrote, “Go and take over the world, my brother.”

Olumayowa Odejimi tipped Joshua for a third world championship reign, commenting, “We are behind you champ 3x.”

Another with the name @iamdx2 added, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.”

Royal Diadem also commented on the enjoyable time Joshua had in the country.

“Nigerians know how to have a good time. AJ, you had a good time,” she wrote.

During his time in Nigeria, the 35-year-old boxer made headlines with several memorable moments, including getting a street-side haircut that went viral across social media platforms. Joshua was also spotted walking through the streets, engaging with locals and embracing the warm reception from the community.

The heavyweight star, born to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent, proudly displays his heritage with a tattoo of Africa on his shoulder, with Nigeria’s borders prominently outlined. His visit to Sagamu—his ancestral hometown—dominated social media trends and sparked excitement among fans.

One of the highlights of Joshua’s stay was his attendance at the birthday celebration of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, where he mingled with several Nigerian billionaires. He also had a viral encounter with his chef, who prepares his meals.

Joshua returns to England as he prepares to resume his boxing career after recovering from an injury sustained following his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. According to his promoter Eddie Hearn, the British-Nigerian fighter is entering what could be the final year of his professional boxing career.

“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn told Sky Sports recently. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”

Meanwhile, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has expressed interest in a potential blockbuster clash with Joshua next year as he begins his comeback journey. The 38-year-old American, who has lost four of his last five fights, believes a long-awaited showdown with Joshua could materialise in 2026.

Meanwhile, controversial Nigerian street-pop musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, would be disappointed with the boxer’s exit after earlier declaring his intention to fight Joshua following his recent victory over Speed Darlington.

“Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” Portable told PUNCH Sports Extra, having previously expressed interest in facing the boxing star for N100m, stating that Speed Darlington was an unworthy opponent.

Source: https://punchng.com/joshua-grateful-to-nigeria-departs-for-next-fight/

16 Likes

illicit(m): 9:57am On Apr 24

There's no way AJ will fight portable...

10 Likes 3 Shares

free2ryhme: 10:02am On Apr 24

Great100000:

Source: https://punchng.com/joshua-grateful-to-nigeria-departs-for-next-fight/

Grateful to who?

What nonsense and foolish write up is this.

Boygijonn(m): 10:02am On Apr 24

Thought he retired

FameGlory(f): 10:02am On Apr 24

Please how can I stop my brother from marrying a very ugly girl?

Like she is crazily very ugly

I'm scared.

9 Likes 1 Share

santaclaws: 10:02am On Apr 24

KaptainAfrika: 10:03am On Apr 24

KO'ed in the first round.

Careful4u: 10:03am On Apr 24

ALL THE BEST grin

1 Like

Quelme: 10:03am On Apr 24

Go choo your next beating

2 Likes 2 Shares

jiz: 10:03am On Apr 24

Omoluabi

8 Likes 2 Shares

cyberbro(m): 10:03am On Apr 24

Respect to you AJ... I bet he really enjoyed his time in Naij. Very down to earth, respectful and humble Yoruba guy! 😎

12 Likes

11doubledee: 10:04am On Apr 24

Hope you branch sango?
Portable has some tips for you
grin

2 Likes 2 Shares

ElevationD: 10:05am On Apr 24

Hopefully all injuries have vanished completely. I pray they will never return again. I also pray and sincerely wish that Joshua wins and retains the belts until he voluntarily retires from boxing.

As for Portable, one little brushing from Joshua, not a punch, and it’s goodbye.

13 Likes

unzend: 10:05am On Apr 24

Godspeed

2 Likes

Ladiesdoctor(m): 10:06am On Apr 24

Show him shege

Riversides2003(m): 10:06am On Apr 24

He go don chop plenty Amala and fufu . All the best in your next fight.

2 Likes

frankblinkz(m): 10:08am On Apr 24

Imagine fighting with someone filled with Amala,Ewedu and pounded yam.

Omo you go just spin 360 like speed darlington wey chop portable blow

1 Like

Jagabanarmy: 10:08am On Apr 24

Great100000:

Source: https://punchng.com/joshua-grateful-to-nigeria-departs-for-next-fight/

I wish you well

helinues: 10:08am On Apr 24

All the best buddy

cyberbro(m): 10:09am On Apr 24

11doubledee:
Hope you branch sango?
Portable has some tips for you

LOL 😂

That Portable vs Speed Darlington fight made me realize that most people are actually unfit & have no fight IQ.

Speedy had the weight and height advantage but didn't know how to throw a punch. Portable just dey rush am 😂

ecomalchemisttt: 10:09am On Apr 24

Good luck

penearth(m): 10:11am On Apr 24

FameGlory:
Please how can I stop my brother from marrying a very ugly girl?

Like she is crazily very ugly

I'm scared.

Ur discouragement is giving her d vipes to wax stronger with him. So encourage her with even gifts to marry her. Instantly she will have a rethink

bigdammyj: 10:11am On Apr 24

Wishing him good luck.

Amwitty(f): 10:13am On Apr 24

FameGlory:
Please how can I stop my brother from marrying a very ugly girl?

Like she is crazily very ugly

I'm scared.

No body is ugly always that, and besides your brother knows what he sees in her so please respect his choice and have peace of mind.

12 Likes

Kennitrust(m): 10:14am On Apr 24

The failure of our system has dash Britain our property.

See fine boy wey supposed represent naija

RillJ(m): 10:14am On Apr 24

illicit:
There's no way AJ will fight portable...

Who be dey reason that insult?

1 Like

mannobi(m): 10:14am On Apr 24

He has been reminded of the Nigerianess in him.

1 Like

OnyeObowo1: 10:14am On Apr 24

FameGlory:
Please how can I stop my brother from marrying a very ugly girl?

Like she is crazily very ugly

I'm scared.

Mtchwww, na fine u go chop?

Helpfromabove1(m): 10:14am On Apr 24

U are highly welcome

But dino melaye wan make you kill am

Starboytwo(m): 10:15am On Apr 24

illicit:
There's no way AJ will fight portable...

we can make it happen grin

Imagine portable knockout AJ. Na to go fight Canelo next...

Zazuu zeh vs Canelo...

Oma bloody

1 Like

Ndidi2: 10:18am On Apr 24

FameGlory:
Please how can I stop my brother from marrying a very ugly girl?

Like she is crazily very ugly

I'm scared.

Are u kidding?

Funny but not funny
If she is very tall is ok

PRINCESSFCFANSs: 10:19am On Apr 24

OK ,

Princess Faith Chukwu

(1) Reply)

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