British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has explained why he brought his son Joseph Joshua, known as JJ, to Nigeria during the festive season.
The two-time former unified world heavyweight champion said during a visit on Monday to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta that he wanted JJ to get familiar with his roots.
Joshua was accompanied to the meeting with the governor by his mum, son, aunt and cousins.
“Not only did I come myself it is important for this generation of children,” the 35-year-old said. “It’s not only for me or for my own selfish reasons to enjoy ‘Detty December’ it’s also for the kids to know they are sons of the soil.”
He thanked his family for always being his “backbone”.
Abiodun declared Joshua Ogun sports ambassador and named a boxing ring in Abeokuta Stadium after him.
In June, Joshua told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs he would much prefer if his son Joseph became an accountant instead, though he added that he wanted him to carve out his own future.
