Anthony Joshua arrives Ghana for ‘Battle of the Beasts,’ Welcomed by Okada riders
Anthony Joshua been received by Ghanian Okada riders yesterday. Photo Credit- Pulse Sports
British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua made a vibrant entrance into Ghana on June 13, 2025, to attend the highly anticipated “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event at the Bukom Boxing Arena. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion, who was not competing but served as a special guest for the Sharaf Mahama Legacy Rise Sports event, was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome led by local motorcycle riders, known as okada riders, in a display of Ghanaian hospitality that has since gone viral.
A big welcome for Joshua
Joshua’s arrival in Accra was marked by a striking gesture of cultural immersion as he hopped onto a motorcycle, joining okada riders for a ride through the city streets. The moment, captured in a video shared on his X account with the caption “That Ghana Goodness 🇬🇭,” showed the 35-year-old boxer draped in a Ghanaian flag, waving to cheering locals who lined the streets to capture the spectacle. A traditional dance performance further enriched the warm reception, with onlookers celebrating Joshua’s presence. The video has garnered significant attention online, echoing a similar motorcycle ride Joshua undertook during a visit to Nigeria.
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The battle of the beasts
The “Battle of the Beasts,” described as Ghana’s biggest boxing event in recent times, featured ten high-stakes bouts showcasing both Ghanaian and international talent at the 4,000-seat Bukom Boxing Arena, a venue renowned for producing boxing legends like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey. The main event pitted Ghana’s Jacob “The Beast” Dickson against Nigerian-born Andrew Tabiti for the prestigious WBO Africa Bridgerweight title. Joshua’s attendance significantly elevated the event’s profile, drawing attention to Ghana’s vibrant boxing scene.
Cultural and emotional significance
Joshua’s visit came at a poignant moment for Ghana’s boxing community, still reeling from the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju earlier in 2025 during a bout. His presence was seen as a gesture of solidarity and a celebration of the sport’s resilience. Joshua, who has frequently connected with his Nigerian roots through visits and viral moments like riding an okada in Ogun State, continued to embrace West African culture by engaging with Ghanaian traditions.
Anthony Joshua future
While Joshua’s next fight remains unscheduled, his Ghana visit underscores his global influence and commitment to supporting boxing in Africa. Posts on X from the Ghana Boxing Federation and FightTalkAfrica highlighted his role as a special guest, with videos of him performing the Adowa dance and riding with okada riders amplifying his connection to the region. As Joshua prepares for his return to the ring, his appearance at the “Battle of the Beasts” has further cemented his status as a cultural and sporting icon in West Africa.
