Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, an essential victory for the former champion.
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Muhammadu Buhari has celebrated 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 said the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari lauded Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prayed that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
Buhari, who 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, wished him a bright future and fulfilling career.
Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, an essential victory for the former champion’s future progression.
After a painful loss in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last year, former champion Anthony Joshua was looking for his first victory since 2020 against Jermaine Franklin in London.
He had to win against the tough American and took a clear unanimous decision, 118-111 and 117-111 twice.
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Franklin is a tough American heavyweight who had only lost once in 22 professional bouts and that was a close-fought majority decision defeat to Dillian Whyte in November.
While this fight was his first without at least one world title on the line in seven years, for Anthony Joshua it was still one of his most crucial. The result would determine the future direction of his career.
A third consecutive loss, for a star of Joshua’s calibre, would have left his further aspirations in tatters. In the build up to the contest he himself said he would retire, such were the stakes for him going into this fight.
A win, however, would propel him back once again towards his more accustomed place at the upper end of the heavyweight division.
Anthony Joshua secured that victory, controlling the fight overall. But while he landed heavy shots, the chance to make a statement and drop or stop Franklin escaped him.