Ogun govt takes credit for Anthony Joshua’s victory

Ogun State Governor, Dr. Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua on his victory against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Governor described Anthony Joshua’s win as a justification for the state government’s investment in sports, adding that it has brought pride to the state he hails from.

He said, “AJ’s victory gives us, Ogun State people immeasurable joy, as the IBF, WBA and WBO title holder retained his place at his outing against Kubrat Pulev yesterday.

“So, this is to congratulate, on behalf of the good people of the Gateway State, our very own Anthony Joshua on the world-celebrated victory that has brought us pride and a justification for our investment in sports and youth development.”

Joshua enjoyed another victory on Saturday as he knocked out Bulgarian boxer, Kubrat Pulev, in the ninth round of their world title bout at the SSE Arena, Wembley, to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

The fight is Joshua’s first since reclaiming his belts from Andy Ruiz in December 2019 in Saudi Arabia.

This is Pulev’s first defeat in his last eight fights since losing via knockout to Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. The 39-year-old won 28 of his previous 29 with 14 by way of knockout.

Joshua’s victory will be followed by an all-British heavyweight unification bout against Tyson Fury in 2021.