Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans for the construction of a new indoor boxing ring in the state, dedicated to British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
The announcement, made during a visit by the two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion to the governor’s office, comes as part of a broader effort to further develop sports in the state and honour Joshua’s outstanding contributions to the sport.
New Boxing Ring to Honour Anthony Joshua
Governor Abiodun revealed that the new boxing ring would be located in a stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State’s capital. The facility will be named after Joshua, serving as both a tribute to his achievements in the boxing world and a state-of-the-art venue for future sports development in Ogun State.
“We are going to construct a brand new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring, and that boxing ring will be in a stadium here in Abeokuta,” the governor said. The announcement has been met with excitement, as it reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to improving sports infrastructure and providing world-class facilities for future athletes.
Joshua to Light National Sports Festival Torch
In addition to the new boxing ring, Governor Abiodun also revealed that Anthony Joshua will have the honour of lighting the National Sports Festival torch in May 2025. This will be a significant moment for both the state and the nation, as Joshua’s global recognition in the sport of boxing aligns perfectly with the celebration of sports excellence in Nigeria.
“I want to openly request that, besides the fact that today we are going to officially confirm you as our sports ambassador, we want to request that you come back to light up the Gateway Sports Festival torch; you will be the one lighting it up,” Governor Abiodun stated during the meeting.
A Special Homecoming for Anthony Joshua
As part of his new role as Ogun State’s official sports ambassador, Anthony Joshua will also be given a special gesture by the state government—a brand-new house in Sagamu, Ogun State. The governor expressed pride in Joshua’s global achievements and reiterated the state’s full support for his career moving forward.
“This is to ensure that you come home more frequently. Besides the fact that you are now our official sports ambassador, we have decided that we will give you a brand new house in Sagamu,” Abiodun added.
Commitment to Sports Development in Ogun State
The governor highlighted Ogun State’s dedication to enhancing its sporting infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to the development of athletes. As part of preparations for the 2025 National Sports Festival, the state is investing heavily in refurbishing and reconstructing its sports facilities. Governor Abiodun emphasized that sports could serve as a powerful unifying force and a platform for youth development.
“In preparation for the sports festival, we are spending a lot of money; we are totally refurbishing, rehabilitating, and reconstructing our sporting facilities,” the governor said. “As you know, sports is a universal language; it brings people from different parts of the world together.”
Anthony Joshua’s Commitment to Promoting Ogun State
In response to the governor’s plans, Anthony Joshua expressed his gratitude and commitment to supporting Ogun State in its quest to promote sports. He pledged to work alongside state stakeholders to showcase the state’s abundant talents and potential to the world.
“I will work toward promoting Ogun State to the rest of the world by showcasing the numerous talents in the state,” Joshua said, emphasizing the importance of using his platform to highlight local talent and inspire the next generation of athletes.
