Ogun Plans Indoor Boxing Arena, Names Anthony Joshua Sports Ambassador

The Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to construct an Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring in Abeokuta, the state capital, as part of its commitment to sports development. This announcement was made by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a reception for the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion on Monday.

Governor Abiodun also revealed that Anthony Joshua, recently confirmed as Ogun’s Sports Ambassador, would have the honor of lighting the torch for the Gateway Games National Sports Festival, now scheduled for May next year.

While addressing the boxing icon, Governor Abiodun remarked, “We are thrilled to have you here today. As part of your new role as our Sports Ambassador, we are officially requesting that you return to Ogun to light the Gateway Games torch. Your presence will undoubtedly inspire our young athletes.”

The Governor also announced additional incentives for Joshua, including a new house in Sagamu, his hometown, and an invitation to collaborate on sporting initiatives in the state.

“We are constructing a world-class Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring, which will be housed in a stadium in Abeokuta. This project is aimed at encouraging you to visit home more often and inspire the younger generation of boxers and athletes,” he added.

Governor Abiodun emphasized the state's ongoing investments in sports infrastructure ahead of the Gateway Games, stating, “We are refurbishing and reconstructing our sporting facilities to ensure they meet international standards. Sports is a universal language that unites people across the globe, and we want Ogun State to be at the forefront.”

He further urged Joshua to support the state in hosting a boxing championship and mentoring young athletes. "We hope you’ll collaborate with the Director General of the National Sports Commission and our Commissioner for Sports Development to organize tournaments leading up to the festival. Your involvement will be transformative for our sports community,” Abiodun said.

Highlighting the wealth of talent in Ogun, the Governor expressed pride in the achievements of local figures in music, arts, and sports, adding, “Anthony Joshua’s success on the world stage places Ogun on the global map, and we are committed to supporting his career and leveraging his influence to inspire our youth.”

In his response, Anthony Joshua pledged to promote Ogun State internationally and to use his platform to showcase the abundant talents in the region. “Ogun State is my home, and I am committed to giving back by mentoring young athletes and putting the state in the global spotlight,” Joshua said.

The Gateway Games National Sports Festival, initially scheduled for January, was postponed to May 2024 due to technical reasons. Governor Abiodun assured that the event would be a showcase of Ogun's rich sporting potential, enhanced by the presence of Anthony Joshua.