Nigerians have been celebrating Anthony Joshua’s knockout win over Carlos Takan, which extended his KO streak to 20.
The 28-year-old world heavyweight champion was born to a Nigerian mother and a British father of Nigerian and Irish descent.
His Nigerian roots have made his a darling of the West African nation’s citizens, as most of them consider him one of their own.
Joshua’s win against Takam ensured he surpassed boxing great Mike Tyson’s knockout record.
Tyson’s best ever streak was 19 and Joshua is now just one behind Frank Bruno’s record of 21.
The latest knockout sets up another huge summer unification fight for Joshua who has his eye on WBC king Deontay Wilder and WBO champion Joseph Parker.
Back in Nigeria, there is hope that the boxing champion will find time from his busy schedule for a visit.
“We are so much proud of him right now. We know he’s very busy and he wanted to come to see us some time just before this fight but everything was postponed. We had prepared and have hope that after this fight now, before December, Anthony will surely be home to appreciate everybody,” the boxer’s uncle David Joshua said.
