British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, has expressed appreciation to the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Benaoyagha Okoyen, for inspiring him to victory.
Joshua defeated Mexican-American boxer, Andy Ruiz Jr., last Saturday through a unanimous points decision in Saudi Arabia to reclaim his IBF, WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles.
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After Joshua lost to Andy in June, Mr Okoyen sent him a letter praising his courage and assuring him of Nigeria’s support in his future fights.
In the four-paragraph letter, the envoy assured him that Nigeria remained proud of the “remarkable feat” he had attained in his boxing career.
After reclaiming the titles in Saudi Arabia, the boxer reciprocated with words of appreciation to the Consul General.
Joshua’s message was conveyed by a US-based Nigerian journalist, Joi John, who covered the rematch in Saudi Arabia.
The two-time heavyweight boxing champion was quoted saying that the letter was a big source of inspiration to him at a time he needed it most.
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“To Ben. God bless,” Joshua wrote on an autographed copy of the official fight brochure at the Diriyah Arena which he sent to the envoy.
The boxer will be visiting Nigeria soon to present his belts to President Muhammadu Buhari, according to the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare.
