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A Nigerian boxer known as FBI has boldly challenged former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to a match, confidently stating his intent to knock Joshua out in the second round.

 

 

 

 

 

In a video circulating on social media, FBI flexed his muscles and called on Joshua to set a date for the fight.

Expressing his determination, FBI declared, “Joshua, I’m still waiting for you. Just give me the date, and I’ll show you. As the FBI, I will put you down in two rounds, in the second round, I’m gonna put you down.”

The video showcased FBI’s training regimen, including punching tyres, lifting weights, and performing various exercises to demonstrate his readiness for the challenge.

This announcement has stirred massive reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms.

Notable figures such as Frank Edoho, Lanre Adediwura, and Iamremote reacted humorously to FBI’s challenge, with comments ranging from skepticism to amusement.

However, some observers pointed out the underlying socioeconomic issues, noting that individuals like FBI seek attention and opportunities amid challenges like poverty and government neglect.

While the challenge may seem audacious to some, it reflects the passion and determination of aspiring athletes and the widespread love for boxing in Nigeria.

The buzz around FBI’s challenge adds an intriguing twist to the boxing scene, sparking discussions and speculation about the potential outcome if the match were to materialize.

As the story continues to garner attention, it highlights the blend of sportsmanship, humor, and social commentary that often accompanies such bold challenges in the world of sports.

 

If we take Anthony Joshua at his word, the heavyweight division could be in for some explosive, exciting nights over the coming years.

The two-time unified champion sat down with TNT’s Laura Woods to promote his fight with Otto Wallin on the massive upcoming ‘Day of Reckoning’ card in Saudi Arabia.

Asked to describe Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder with a single word and to then describe how fights between he and his heavyweight rivals would play out, Joshua spoke about his peers more candidly than we are used to hearing.

After describing Fury as a “diva,” a relaxed Joshua spoke freely about how and why he would beat ‘The Gypsy King’ if and when they meet.

“Good fight. Too quick, too strong, he can’t lean on me, can’t throw me about and I’m explosive. I can knock people out. I knock a lot of people out.

“No, it won’t be early, he’s a good fighter but I’ll be there. I’ll be there 100%.”

How about Francis Ngannou? The former UFC heavyweight champion shocked the world by dropping Fury and giving him all the trouble he could handle during their crossover ‘Battle of the Baddest’ in October. Fury may have been far from his best but Ngannou’s remarkable performance was arguably the most eye-catching professional debut of all time and the Cameroonian made sure that he will be a high profile and extremely lucrative option for the top heavyweight fighters for the foreseeable future.

“Inspiration,” said Joshua when asked to describe him. “His story. If you can’t take motivation from that and inspiration, I don’t know what would drive you in life. What a story he has.

“War. The first man to land is going out. The battle of the body builders. Tyson Fury can stay at home.”

Finally, Joshua was asked about his long time rival and co-star for next week’s extravaganza in Saudi Arabia. Joshua and long time WBC champion, Deontay Wilder, have circled each other for close to a decade. Although both fighters have suffered defeats, it seems impossible to imagine a fight between them being anything other than a don’t blink shootout.

The plan is clear. Should Joshua get past Wallin and Wilder come through a tricky looking test against former WBO champion, Joseph Parker, a fight between the two most explosive elite heavyweights in the world should happen next year.

“Bronze,” Joshua said when asked for one word to describe Wilder in a clever play on his ‘Bronze Bomber’ nickname. “Not gold. Just general. You’re not gold.”

Despite his lengthy and spectacular highlight reel and proven fight ending power, Joshua isn’t sure whether Wilder would hit any harder than Ngannou but believes that the fight would indeed be a short, violent affair.

“The same as Ngannou [a war],” he said.

“You know what it is in heavyweight boxing? Every heavyweight hits differently. Some have got a thudding power. Some have got a slapping power. Some have got a punch that you never see coming. There’s a variety of different power so I don’t know.”

Joshua Plans to Re-enact Ali/Foreman’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

Anthony Joshua could revisit the Rumble in the Jungle as part of an “iconic” bout around the 50th anniversary of the legendary fight, says Eddie Hearn.

Promoter Hearn says talks have taken place over the heavyweight contender fighting in Africa, and that government backing for an event is available.

Joshua, 34, has Nigerian ancestry but has never fought on the continent.

“It’s something that would be iconic for the sport,” Hearn told BBC World Service’s Newsday of the proposals.

“When we’re visiting these countries, there’s government funding to stage these events.

“Sometimes that isn’t forthcoming in all areas but there have been discussions and I think it will happen in time.”

Muhammad Ali and George Foreman contested the heavyweight world championship in Zaire – now Democratic Republic of Congo – in October 1974 in one of the greatest fights of all time.

Both men were champions during the long careers that made them legends, with Ali knocking out Foreman in the eighth round to win the WBA, WBC and Ring titles.

Joshua held the WBA belt for a combined total of almost four years and has been IBF, WBO and IBO champion, although he is currently aiming to win back the titles he failed to regain from Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August 2022.