IBF and WBA ‘super’ heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua, on Thursday received a congratulatory letter from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his recent victory over Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine. .
The Yoruba king is the first Nigerian leader to officially have his congratulatory letter hand delivered and recognised by the boxer.
Oba Ogunwusi had in the past blessed, endorsed and supported other Nigerian boxers like Larry Ekundayo and Olusegun Ajose, a fact which did not go unnoticed by the heavyweight king.
The British Olympic medallist, who is very proud of his Nigerian roots, was touched by the personal letter, and he expressed a genuine interest in hearing how Nigeria had gotten behind him for his recent win.
The letter which was facilitated by Nigerian Lawyer, Bob Olukoya, was hand delivered to AJ by Ekundayo and Ben Gray, the owner of commercial agency, World Class Athletes, who specialises in helping Nigeria to deliver on its huge wealth of boxing talent.
Reading it several times, Joshua beamed at its contents and was obviously honoured to receive it, even promising to frame the letter and put it on his wall at home!
He said he looked forward to meeting the Ooni in person one day.
Joshua and his team are already in early discussions with World Class Athletes to visit Nigeria on an official tour of the country, so there is every chance that the heavyweight king will be meeting the king in the near future.
He also encouraged Nigerians to get behind their boxers, especially Ekundayo, ahead of his forthcoming Commonwealth title bout and even recorded a special, personalised message for Ekundayo, which will be released in the coming weeks.
