British boxing star Anthony Joshua on Monday paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra during his visit to Ghana for the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event.
The internationally acclaimed heavyweight is in the country to headline the event organized by Legacy Rise Sports, a sports promotion company founded by Sharaf Mahama, son of president Mahama. The bout took place at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, as part of a broader push to revive and elevate boxing in Ghana and across the African continent.
Mr. Joshua was accompanied by Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, and Mr. Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy Rise Sports.
President Mahama welcomed the initiative, lauding the event’s impact and the renewed interest in boxing. He noted that Friday’s fight night received positive reviews and signaled hope for the sport’s resurgence in Ghana.
“Talents exist in some, but a champion usually emerges and changes his society,” President Mahama said. “We wish that Anthony will become great again; we’ve seen many greats fall and hopefully he comes back stronger.”
He recalled Ghana’s rich boxing legacy dating back to the First Republic and acknowledged efforts by his administration to rekindle the sport’s popularity, including the construction of the Bukom Boxing Arena.
“One of my regrets is that we didn’t build the Bukom Boxing Arena bigger. We need a much bigger space following the growing interest,” he admitted.
Commenting on his son’s sporting ambitions, Mr. Mahama said:
“Sharaf has been passionate about sports since childhood. He knew the footballers, their wives, even their kids. I allowed him to pursue his passion. He started with football, then moved into boxing.”
President Mahama expressed confidence in Ghana’s boxing future, adding:
“I truly believe we can raise future world champions.”
He also welcomed Joshua’s growing ties to Ghana and said:
“Mr. Anthony Joshua will be our ambassador for boxing in Africa. Ghana is his second home. If you want a passport, we’ll gladly give you one.”
Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams highlighted President Mahama’s achievements in the sports sector and acknowledged the untapped potential of the Bukom Boxing Arena’s facilities, particularly the unused hostels intended for an academy. He noted recent successes in football and a growing global presence in athletics.
“Last Friday, Ghana became the centre of global boxing activity through the Legacy Rise Sports event,” the minister added.
Mr. Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight championship expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome.
“I was amazed by the culture and the reception I have received,” he said. “I understand some of your policies and what you’re trying to do to revive sports in Ghana.”
Joshua said he was venturing into new areas where he could help connect Africa with the global sporting community.