Anthony Joshua, Legacy Rise team made a visit courtesy to President Mahama

Global recognized British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua and the Legacy Rise Sports team on Monday made a courtesy visit to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House to talk about the revival of boxing in Ghana and Africa.  

The visit comes after the involvement of Mr Joshua in Legacy Rise boxing championship, hosted by Legacy Sports, a promotion outfit founded by Sharaf Mahama, the president’s son.  

President Mahama commended Friday’s Legacy Rise boxing event, saying it portrayyGhana’s potential in the sport.  He highlighted that “Talents exist but a champion emerges to change society” , urging Mr Joshua in his career.

Looking back on Ghana’s boxing history, President Mahama drew to attention that the sport’s decline since the First Republic despite efforts to revive it. He said that “We built the Bukom Arena hoping to discover new talents but that didn’t happen. One of my regrets is not making it bigger.” 

The President also disclosed that his son Sharaf’s heartfelt devotion for sports, which resulted in the creation of Legacy Sports. President Mahama said “I believe we can raise future world champions,” and declared Mr  Joshua as Ghana’s boxing ambassador for Africa. With a lighearted tone the president told Mr Joshua, “Ghana is your second home, if you want a passport, we’ll gladly give you one.”

Mr Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, expressed his admiration for Ghana’s rich culture and warm reception. “Coming to Ghana wasn’t initially in my plans, but I’m glad I did,” he said. The boxer told President Mahama that, “I’ve been following some of your policies to revive sports, and I’m branching into a sector that connects Africa to the world.” Mr Joshua presented a signed boxing glove to the president, to symbolise a shared commitment to reviving the sport in the country.  

Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, who led the team, praised President Mahama’s dedication to sports development, referring to the construction of the Bukom Boxing Arena as a major achievement. He also  noted that some of the facility, especially the hostels meant for an academy, were not taken full advantage of as intended.  

He stated that “The sports sector has thrived under this administration, football is excelling, athletics is gaining global recognition, and last Friday, Ghana became the center of world boxing through the Legacy Rise event.” Azumah Nelson, Ghanaian boxing widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers was present.

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