World-renowned British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua and the Legacy Rise Sports team on Monday paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House to discuss the revival of boxing in Ghana and Africa.  

The visit followed Mr Joshua’s participation in the Legacy Rise boxing championship, organised by Legacy Sports, a promotion outfit founded by Sharaf Mahama, the president’s son.  

President Mahama praised Friday's Legacy Rise boxing event, saying it showed Ghana's potential in the sport. 

"Talents exist but a champion emerges to change society," he said, encouraging Mr Joshua in his career.  

Reflecting on Ghana's boxing history, President Mahama noted the sport's decline since the First Republic despite efforts to revive it.

"We built the Bukom Arena hoping to discover new talents but that didn't happen. One of my regrets is not making it bigger," he said.  

The President revealed his son Sharaf's long-standing passion for sports, which led to the creation of Legacy Sports.

"I believe we can raise future world champions," President Mahama said, and declared Mr  Joshua as Ghana's boxing ambassador for Africa.

In a lighthearted moment, the president told Mr Joshua, “Ghana is your second home, if you want a passport, we’ll gladly give you one.”

Reception

Mr Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, expressed his admiration for Ghana’s rich culture and warm reception. 

“Coming to Ghana wasn’t initially in my plans, but I’m glad I did,” he said.

The boxer told President Mahama that, “I’ve been following some of your policies to revive sports, and I’m branching into a sector that connects Africa to the world.” 

Mr Joshua presented a signed boxing glove to the president, to symbolise a shared commitment to reviving the sport in the country.  

Sports development

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, who led the team, commended President Mahama’s contributions to sports development, citing the construction of the Bukom Boxing Arena as a key milestone. 

However, he noted that parts of the facility, particularly the hostels meant for an academy, were not fully utilised as intended.  

“The sports sector has thrived under this administration, football is excelling, athletics is gaining global recognition, and last Friday, Ghana became the center of world boxing through the Legacy Rise event,” he said.  

Also present at the meeting was Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest boxers.