“Anthony Joshua is always genuflecting on the alters of evil Nigerian Leaders” – Sowore blasts boxer Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua, a British-Nigerian boxing prodigy and former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, has come under fire from politician and publisher Omoyele Sowore for consistently displaying deference to the nation’s political authorities.
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On Monday, December 30, 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun honored the fighter by naming the state’s new boxing hall after him.
Joshua was also given the Yoruba moniker “Omobowale,” which translates to “the child who has come home,” by Abiodun in appreciation of his commitment to recognizing and honoring both his Ogun and Nigerian heritage whenever possible.
Additionally, on January 1, 2025, the boxer honored President Bola Tinubu in his Lagos home.
Joshua gave Tinubu a personalized, autographed boxing glove during the visit that read, “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban, Borgu of Africa, ‘Bola A Tinubu.'”
Joshua was photographed bending down in front of Buhari, who was clearly thrilled to be holding the boxer’s title.
Joshua had assured everyone that he would “stand up for Nigeria” if necessary.
In response to this, Sowore wrote on his X on Thursday that Joshua always genuflects in front of Nigerian leaders, as if his boxing career relied on it.
Posting photos of the boxer’s meetings with Tinubu and Buhari, Sowore wrote: “And @anthonyjoshua is always genuflecting on the altars of evil Nigerian leaders as if his boxing career depended on it. Shame!”
Netizens reacted to this controversial reaction, while some agreed with Sowore others applauded the boxer for observing the ethos of the Yoruba people.
Below are some reactions on X
@Ayo Alabi – “This is all shades of wrong. Especially from a Yoruba man that should know the ethos of Omoluabi. The shame is on you!”
@EasYOfLagos – “How did I even support you in 2019😂
A presidential candidate doing banger tweet, I just hope it’s never for engagement.”
@David Anebe – “I couldn’t place my head around this gesture at allllllll”
@Tobi Adekunle – “Egbon if you were in the same position he would probably do the same. I reckon it’s more about the office and not the persons.”
