Anthony Joshua to present his belts to Buhari -Sports Minister
Sunday Dare, minister of sports, says Anthony Joshua, world heavyweight boxing champion, will present his championship belts to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dare said this while briefing journalists at the end of Wednesday’s federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Dare said no date has been fixed for the presentation of the belts.
Joshua reclaimed his titles from Andy Ruiz Jr, a Mexican boxer, six months after the Nigerian-born-boxer lost the titles.
Ruiz had won the match in Madison Square, New York, while Joshua reclaimed the tiles in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The judges unanimously adjudged Joshua winner with 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 over Ruiz Jr and made history by winning the first world heavyweight title bout in the Middle East.
The 30-year old now has his WBO, WBA, IBF, IBO heavyweight titles back.
He is the 4th deposed world heavyweight champion to win an immediate rematch in 127-year history of the category — 11th fighter to have attempted it.
In a video he made after reclaiming his titles, Joshua gave a shout-out to Nigerians at home.
Buhari had also commended Joshua for the win, saying “the downfall of a man is truly not the end of his life.”
He wished Joshua well “as he seeks to bring more glory to Nigeria, and to the boxing profession”.
