Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, over the weekend presented his boxing belts to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
The boxing star who was born in the United Kingdom has deep Nigerian roots through his Nigerian-Irish father, Robert Joshua and mother, Yetunde Odusanya who are both from Sagamu, Ogun state.
![Anthony Joshua prostrates for Buhari as he presents boxing belts [Video]](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Anthony-Joshua-meets-Buhari-in-London.jpg)
Joshua, who is proud of his Nigerian origin, is seen in a trending video prostrating fully for the Nigerian leader to show his respect. His actions attracted accolades from the president’s aides and family members and also generated reactions from social media users.
This is the first time Buhari is meeting Joshua since he regained his IBF, WBA, and WBO title belt from Andy Ruiz in December.
The British boxer spoke about his pride in the nation during the meeting with Buhari.
![Anthony Joshua prostrates for Buhari as he presents boxing belts [Video]](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Anthony-Joshua-1.jpg)
“Even though I run my own track in boxing, your Excellency, it’s amazing to sit amongst the great people of Nigeria and to listen to some of your achievements and the vision you have for Nigeria makes us proud,” Joshua said while speaking at the meeting.
The World Champ @anthonyfjoshua pic.twitter.com/PtjiPOp9cz
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) January 18, 2020
President Buhari is in London to attend the first edition of the UK-Africa Investment Summit.
![Anthony Joshua prostrates for Buhari as he presents boxing belts [Video]](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Anthony-Joshua-meets-Buhari-in-London-1.jpg)
Joshua retained his IBF, WBA and WBO titles after defeating Mexican-American boxer, Ruiz following his shock defeat in June. In the rematch, he won by margins of 118-110 on two scorecards with the third judge making it 119-109.
The victory makes him the fourth deposed world heavyweight champion to win an immediate rematch in the 127-year history of the category – 11th fighter to have attempted it.
See reactions below:
One generation like that would be very angry. But the Yorubas are called Omoluabi for a reason. Great guy.
— Olukayode bakre (@kayodebakre8) January 18, 2020
Amotekun 1 of Yorubaland
— Icon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Icon_Ayodeji) January 18, 2020
AJ of gbo gbo Naija
Omoluabi of Africa
World Champ – from Naija to the world
This guy go lose in next fight, he has identified with these failures, anything they touch die, AJ I sorry for your career, this is a big mistake.
— Augustine Okoloise (@AustinOkoloise) January 18, 2020
Celebrating someone who has never represented the nation. People did what u are doing now but their tenure went off. Keep siding rubbish because of salary
— JERRY EBBY (@JerryEbby) January 18, 2020
Them go soon count that Joshua prostrating as one of Buhari’s achievement!!!
“Buhari is the first president Joshua would prostrate for”
— ANIYIKAYE (@Iam_Czar) January 18, 2020
Nigeria leaders should be ashame. Anthony is a british fighter but government arr handling him as if he represents Nigeria. Promise isaac who captain Nigeria under 23 died ni NFF official at his burial no government representatives at his burial you people are here now
— JERRY EBBY (@JerryEbby) January 18, 2020
After all his exposure he’s still a bush boy, why is he prostrating to greet the president?
Even Buharri didn’t receive it as a sign of respect, take hand shake.
People calling it a sign of respect are morons, just because something is tradition that doesn’t mean it’s right.
— ? Trace Scorch ? Doctor Trace. (@TraceScorch) January 19, 2020
Thats Why I love Joshua, hes humble?
— Marcus R Johnson (Evol of Detroit) (@EVOLofDetroit) January 19, 2020
Now one aspect of Yoruba culture I really love…#Respect to the champion
— #De-General (@Ibmojotu99) January 18, 2020
