President Buhari celebrates Joshua
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin, commending the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent.
Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, the President says the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.
In a media statement released by Chief Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, President Buhari lauds Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
The President believes that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage will continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.
He wishes Joshua a bright future and fulfilling career.
Anthony Joshua
But Anthony Joshua in his post match analysis has rated his own performance below par.
I should have been more brutal, Anthony Joshua says after victory over Franklin
Anthony Joshua took the microphone and spoke about his victory over America’s Jermaine Franklin. Excerpts:
“No knockout, so no good. It is a brutal sport, but knockouts are everything. I’m not too happy.
“I could have thrown more shots, and I should have, no excuses. But I will.
“That is part of coming back; you have to be your own biggest critic. If you want to progress, you can’t say that was brilliant and chill out.
“Franklin is a decent counter-puncher; the right hand wasn’t landing; that is one of my best shots but we will build.
“Whatever my coach wants to work on, we’ll work on. I don’t want to put pressure on Derrick; everything that happens in the ring is on me. If you want to be a fighter you have to deal with the pressure.”
