President John Dramani Mahama has named British-Nigerian boxing superstar Anthony Joshua as an ambassador for boxing in Africa, charging him with the task of inspiring and transforming the lives of young people across the continent through the sport.
The announcement was made during a courtesy call by the two-time heavyweight champion and his team at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, June 16, 2025. Joshua is currently in Ghana to support the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event, spearheaded by Sharaf Mahama, which seeks to promote youth development through sports.
Speaking during the meeting, President Mahama underscored the importance of leveraging Joshua’s global influence to nurture the next generation of African boxing champions.
“I told him he will be our ambassador,” Mahama said. “We need people like him to change the lives of young people. We need him to be an ambassador for boxing in Africa and take that as one of the causes that he champions.”
President Mahama added that Joshua’s legacy should go beyond personal achievement and serve as a catalyst for a continental movement in sports.
“That after him, there will be a wave of young boxers at different levels who would also make Africa proud and change the societies from which they come.”
Joshua’s visit has sparked widespread excitement among fans and aspiring athletes, many of whom view him as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and African pride. His new role is expected to involve mentorship, advocacy, and support for initiatives that promote boxing and sports development across the continent.