Two-time
heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for the “energy, generosity and kindness” shown to him during his stay in the country as he departs to prepare for his next fight.
The British-Nigerian fighter, who has been spending time in his ancestral homeland to complete his rehabilitation from an injury, shared his appreciation through a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram account.
“Nigeria, thank you for your energy, generosity & kindness,” Joshua wrote in what many fans interpreted as a farewell message ahead of his return to England.
Several fans then commented, wishing the 35-year-old success as he returns to the ring.
Gbadia Figheghawei wrote, “Go and take over the world, my brother.”
Olumayowa Odejimi expressed support for Joshua, predicting a third world championship reign. He added, “We’re backing you, champ 3x.”
Another user with the username @iamdx2 added, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.”
The Royal Diadem also remarked on the pleasant experience Joshua enjoyed in the countryside.
“Nigerians know how to enjoy themselves. AJ, you certainly did,” she penned.
While in Nigeria, the 35-year-old boxer garnered attention for multiple notable incidents, such as receiving an impromptu street barber cut that became widely circulated online. Joshua could frequently be seen strolling through neighborhoods, interacting with residents and warmly welcoming their enthusiastic response to him.
The heavyweight champion, whose parentage includes Nigerian origins alongside Irish roots from his father, honors his background through a tattoo depicting the African continent on his shoulder, highlighting Nigeria’s boundaries distinctly. His journey to Sagamu—a town significant in his ancestry—became a trending topic online and generated enthusiasm amongst supporters.
A highlight of Joshua’s visit was participating in the birthday bash for Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, an event that brought him into contact with numerous Nigerian tycoons. Additionally, he experienced a widely shared interaction with his personal chef, responsible for preparing his food.
Joshua is heading back to England as he gets ready to restart his boxing journey post-recovery from the injury he got during his fifth-round defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has stated that this might be the concluding phase of the British-Nigerian boxer’s professional career.
This marks the concluding year. We shouldn’t mince words,” Hearn said to Sky Sports lately. “He will likely participate in either one or up to three more fights; that’s the honest truth.
In the meantime, ex-WBC heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder has shown enthusiasm for a possible high-profile match against Joshua as he embarks on his return. The 38-year-old from America, who has won only one out of his past five bouts, thinks this highly anticipated encounter with Joshua might happen in 2026.
At the same time, controversial Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized as Portable, expressed disappointment at the boxer’s departure after previously announcing his desire to challenge Anthony Joshua subsequent to his latest win against Speed Darlington.
Now that I’ve defeated Speed Darlington, my next target is Anthony Joshua,” Portable said to PUNCH Sports Extra, after earlier expressing his desire to face the boxing legend for ₦100 million, adding that he considered Speed Darlington as an inadequate opponent.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
