Anthony Joshua Prostrates for Buhari in London Meeting

Date: 30-01-2020 10:22 am (5 years ago) | Author: Daniel Bosai
- at 30-01-2020 10:22 AM (5 years ago)
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In the red corner is two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and in the blue corner is esteemed president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. The pair didn’t meet for a spar, though, they met during the president’s visit to London to discuss the future of Nigeria and for Joshua to show reverence to his elder. Indeed, the meeting ended up with Joshua on the floor, KO-ed more by cultural tradition than by the president’s uppercut.
Joshua, who has Nigerian ancestry, claimed he would “stand up for” the country if it was needed, an assurance many in the country will have been pleased to hear the 6 ft 6 champion give. Taking to social media afterwards, Joshua claimed the meeting was about culture, not politics, and was about respecting one’s elders. Many praised the prostrating Joshua did before Buhari, a sign of respect for your elders, and a real embracing of his Nigerian roots.
As Joshua prostrated – by lying on the floor and showing respect – he presented his championship belts to Buhari. Joshua then claimed that Buhari’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria made him proud of his heritage and helped cement Buhari’s vision in the minds of those who live in the country as being positive. No doubt Buhari hopes to achieve for Nigeria what Joshua has done for the sport of boxing, and the two could have some synergy further down the line.


Boxing isn’t just gaining popularity in Africa. The Middle East are eager to take advantage of the excitement a boxing match can drum up, especially given the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz rematch took place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. While boxing is also used across other areas of entertainment. YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI had a sell-out bout. Boxing has also become popular online in the form of boxing-themed free online casino games, which take the essence of the boxing match tension and excitement and incorporate them into traditional slot gameplay.
The popularity of boxing outside of its traditional realm will help cultivate boxing talent from around the world. The continent of Africa is no stranger to boxing. It was recently reported that a slum in Ghana consistently produces boxing world champions, while the MENA region is also seeing more representation on the world stage in boxing than in other sports. Boxing is all about promotion and should more high-profile boxers like Joshua and Ruiz choose further afield to stage their fights, it would help to legitimize these areas for boxing and for sport in general.
Boxing might not have the same universal appeal that other sports such as football can garner, but it is definitely an aspect of sporting that is growing. Influential stars like Joshua are showing how boxing can train resilience and discipline, while nations such as Nigeria and the Middle East are considering how to encourage more bouts to take place over there. Boxing may have been around forever, but it seems that the positive coverage it is enjoying today is helping it knock out the competition.

Posted: at 30-01-2020 10:22 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero
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