Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has stepped up the promotional hype ahead of his return to the ring on July 25th with an affirmative declaration that he is back to where he belongs.
READ ALSO: Akor Adams Confesses: It’s Always Great Pleasure For Me To Put On Nigeria’s Jersey
Sports247 reports that Joshua is scheduled to return to the ring at a venue in Saudi Arabia, which will be his first fight since he survived a fatal accident in Sagamu, Ogun State on December 29th, which claimed two of his best friends.
The London 2012 Olympics gold medalist struggled to overcome the grief of those losses, but he has come out with a heartwarming declaration that the worsted days are over and he is now thinking of making a triumphant return to the ring.
Heading into the bout in Saudi Arabia against Albania’s Christian Prenga, who has knocked out 20 of his 21 opponents, Joshua will return to training under the watchful eyes of his former rival and current world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua thanked Usyk for taking him into his camp, backing his recovery with tough training drills, providing motivational efforts and encouraging him to get closer to God with prayers.
“Yes, I’m back. Back to the place where I always find my purpose. Where I’m content. Boxing is therapeutic for me. Alex has shown me the power of prayer. I’ve also learned from the finest boxer of our generation.” Joshua stated.
He also spite about his pontiallt explosive ‘Battle of Britain’ bout with Tyson Fury in November, heading into which he he described the July 25th fight in Saudi Arabia as a very crucial part of his build-up to greater things ahead of him.
“(I’ve learnt) the collective power of keeping every last one of a boxer’s team permanently locked into a productive collective. Not just coming and going to do their individual bit. After I deal with Tyson Fury, on to world titles.
“I accept this will be a tough year, and I’m coming up 37 in October, but I have the strength in every aspect to keep fighting until I’m 40. Boxing’s what I do,” said Joshua, as he looked at the present and projected into the future.
‘AJ’ also spoke about his late friends – Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele – stating that he keeps doing all he can to support their families, adding: “Their parents have been my priority. I’m doing everything I can for them and keeping them close.”
