Accra: Mr Anthony Joshua, a renowned British professional boxer, visited President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra on Monday. Mr Joshua is currently in Ghana to participate in the ‘Battle of the Beasts’ boxing event organized by Legacy Rise Sports at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
According to Ghana News Agency, Legacy Rise Sports, owned by Sharaf Mahama, the son of President Mahama, is promoting the event. This initiative is part of Legacy Rise Sports’ mission to elevate boxing in Ghana and across Africa. Accompanying Mr Joshua were Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, and Mr Sharaf Mahama, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Rise Sports.
President Mahama remarked on the positive reviews from Friday’s game at the Bukom Arena, highlighting the potential for discovering new talents. He expressed hope for Mr Joshua’s continued success, noting Ghana’s historical significance in boxing and the government’s efforts to revive the sport by constructing the Bukom Arena. The President also expressed regret that the arena was not built larger due to the growing interest in boxing.
President Mahama spoke about his son Sharaf’s passion for sports, recalling his early interest in football and later boxing. He expressed confidence in raising future world champions and welcomed Mr Joshua as an ambassador for boxing in Africa, even offering him Ghanaian citizenship.
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, commended President Mahama’s achievements in the sports sector, noting the positive response to the support given under his leadership. He pointed out that parts of the Bukom Boxing Arena were underutilized and highlighted the international recognition gained by Ghanaian athletes.
Mr Anthony Joshua, who held the unified world heavyweight championship twice between 2016 and 2021, expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Ghana. He was impressed by the culture and the hospitality he received, acknowledging the efforts to revive sports in the country and his interest in connecting Africa with the world.