By Akinwale Kasali
The heart of the revered British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 11, has been broken. Breaking the Queen’s heart was British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua.
Like most of his peers who have been a force to reckon with in the world and enjoyed the support, fanfare and recognition of his adopted country, England, he would have swiftly jumped at the offer. But for the World Boxing Federation Champion, Anthony Oluwasheni Joshua, it was a different story.
Joshua was loud and proud of his Nigerian heritage during the Common Wealth ceremony at Westminister Abbey, London, United Kingdom.
The WBO, IBO, IBF and WBA champion gave an inspirational speech that acknowledged his roots, despite being born in England.
The 30-year-old who is preparing to defend his titles against Pulev in June was dressed in a black suit and he stood on the podium and said in the presence of the Queen: ” I am a proud Yoruba boy from Nigeria.”
He said; “My name is Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua and, like many of you here, I’m a child of the Commonwealth.
“I was born in Watford and my heritage is Nigerian. I come from the Yoruba people, who are the largest, and some might say, the loudest ethnic group in all of Africa. I’m proudly Nigerian and proudly British.
”Like me, so many children of the Commonwealth have two homes, two identities, two cultures, some even homes in Nigeria and England like me.
“These days, we hear so much about division and difference that some might be tempted to see that as a bad thing. But on the contrary, it’s a beautiful thing. A thing to be celebrated and cherished, and a great source of peace and stability.
“I feel opportunity should be there for the taking along with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, regardless of one’s background. We need to strive harder collectively in order to create unity.
“So, here’s to fish and chips, egusi soup and pounded yam, to the UK and Nigeria, and the children of the Commonwealth.”
Joshua said he is first a Nigerian, and he is proud of that at all times.
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