Anthony Joshua will return stronger — Abike Dabiri

THE Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has sent words of encouragement to boxer Anthony Joshua following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.

Joshua lost his IBF, WBA, WBO heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian in front of a 65,000 crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In an Instagram post, Dabiri-Erewa described the loss as “temporary setback”.

She wrote, “Temporary set-backs can’t take winners off their course. AJ will return bigger, better and stronger.”

Joshua had taken to social media shortly after his defeat, the second in his career after Andy Ruiz landed the first last year, to inspire himself and fans.

“Keep positive even if the world’s crumbling in front of you! London I love you & thank you each and every time!” the Nigerian-Briton wrote.

Speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the boxer would trigger the rematch clause.

Hearn said his fighter had given Usyk too much respect and would have to make “fundamental changes” to regain his titles.

Joshua visited the hospital for medical attention after suffering a broken eye socket in the fight.

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Olunloyo Akindele Olufemi

Geopolitical Blogger

I love Lagos and Johannesburg. Lagostojozi Blog promotes cooperation and unity between these African megacities, fostering healthy relations and social cohesion.