By Iddi Yire
Accra, June 16, GNA – Mr Anthony Joshua, a renowned British professional boxer on Monday called on President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.
Mr Anthony Joshua is currently in Ghana, to participate in the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event, which is being spearheaded by Legacy Rise Sports at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The event is being promoted by Legacy Rise Sports, which is owned by Sharaf Mahama, the son of President Mahama.
The event is part of Legacy Rise Sports’ efforts to elevate boxing in Ghana and across Africa.
Mr Anthony Joshua was accompanied by Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, and Mr Sharaf Mahama, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Rise Sports.
President Mahama in his remarks noted that reviews from Friday’s game during “Battle of the Beasts’ at Bukom Arena had been positive.
He said talents exist in some, but a champion usually emerges and changes his society.
“We wish that Anthony will become great again; we’ve seen many greats fall and hopefully he comes back stronger.”
He said Ghana had been a powerhouse in boxing since the First Republic, but the sport declined over time; however, the Government tried hard to revive it, and that was why they built the Bukom Arena.
He said the dream was built on the hope that they could scout and find new talent but that didn’t happen.
“One of my regrets is that we didn’t build the Bukom Boxing Arena bigger. We need a much bigger space following the growing interest,” the President said.
On son, Sharaf’s passion sports, the President said Sharaf had been passionate about sports since childhood.
“He knew the footballers, their wives, even their kids. I allowed him to pursue his passion. He started with football, then moved into boxing,” President Mahama said.
“I truly believe we can raise future world champions.”
The President said Mr Anthony Joshua would be their ambassador for boxing in Africa, and that Ghana was his second home; saying “If you want a passport, we’ll gladly give you one”.
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, highlighted some achievements of President Mahama in the sports sector.
He said the sports sector had responded positively to the support given under Mahama’s leadership.
He noted that parts of the Bukom Boxing Arena, especially the hostels meant for an academy, were not used for their intended purpose.
The Minister reiterated that football was performing well, and athletics is gaining international recognition.
He said last Friday, Ghana became the centre of global boxing activity through the Legacy Rise Sports event.
Mr Anthony Joshua held the unified world heavyweight championship twice between 2016 and 2021.
At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016.
On his part, Mr Anthony Joshua expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him since he arrived in the country.
He said, he was amazed by the culture and the reception he had received.
“I understand some of your Policies and what you’re trying to do to revive sports in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Anthony Joshua said he was branching into a sector where they could connect Africa to the rest of the world.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba