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Anthony Joshua’s Victory Over Pulev, is he ready for Tyson Fury?

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Anthony Joshua's Victory Over Pulev, is he ready for Tyson Fury?

Anthony Joshua did not let his mind wander ahead of his bout against Kubrat Pulev. He’d tripped over hurdles before, failing to anchor himself in the present. But all week he refused to look beyond Pulev, and that unwavering focus led him to a ninth-round stoppage Saturday in front of 1,000 fans at the SSE Arena in London.

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Anthony Joshua's Victory Over Pulev, is he ready for Tyson Fury?

Joshua knocked Pulev down in the third round with a sweetly struck uppercut, yet the Bulgarian’s strong chin kept him in the fight until the ninth. A flurry of uppercuts and a straight right hand eventually floored the spirited Pulev.

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For Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs), this was as much an exorcism of that ugly Andy Ruiz Jr. spell as it was a reminder of Joshua’s ruthless ability to stop a fight in its tracks. The uppercut was on point as Joshua lived up to his promise of thrilling, but despite his laser-like focus, this felt like a starter with the main course yet to come.

Joshua didn’t even mention Tyson Fury’s name in the buildup to this fight, but the WBC belt holder and a potential epic matchup in 2021 between them hovered over this bout as an omnipresent distraction. It was only after Pulev had been dispatched that Joshua eventually mentioned those two words of the man standing in the way of a unification

“When I started this game in 2013 I’ve been chasing all the belts, dealing with mandatories,” Joshua said. “Of course, I want a challenge, it’s not about the opponents, it’s about the legacy and the belts — whoever’s got the belt, I’d love to compete with them. If that’s Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury. It’s no big deal.”

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Fury turned down Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn’s invite to be ringside at the SSE Arena, but he watched from a distance as Joshua defended his WBA, IBF and WBO titles and lived up to his prefight promise of “destroying [Pulev’s] soul.”

 

It’s been a long time between fights — a year and five days since Joshua stopped Ruiz in the Saudi Arabia rematch following his Madison Square Garden nightmare. There were concerns Joshua would show ring rust, but to combat that, he sparred throughout Thursday evening of fight week, alarming his trainer Rob McCracken by not wearing headgear just days out from the fight.

Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs), 39, was a competent opponent and did land a few jabs on Joshua, but the British fighter was in control throughout.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was ringside, calling on Joshua to use the jab more, but Joshua did this his way and stuck to the plan of dispatching Pulev and avoiding another slip-up.

He prepared for this fight like Wladimir Klitschko did for Pulev back in 2014. Back then Joshua was one of Klitschko’s sparring partners. He spoke to the Ukrainian great for an hour on the phone Wednesday, looking for inside information on his opponent and gleaning any knowledge from Klitschko on how he inflicted the only other defeat in Pulev’s career before Saturday.

This performance was reminiscent of Klitschko, as were his postfight words.

“I’m the best version of me — I’m not in a fight with anyone else, just myself,” Joshua said, avoiding any predictions of who he’d get down the line.

The next step for Joshua could be mandatory WBO challenger Oleksandr Usyk, but the boxing world wants to see the all-British superfight against Fury. The “Gypsy King” has taken a chunk of Joshua’s spotlight this year thanks to his win over Deontay Wilder back in February, but Joshua will never linger long in the shadows.

Joshua will know deep down he’ll have to improve further if he is to defeat Fury. It felt as though he could have finished this fight against Pulev earlier, but let the Bulgarian get back in. Against an opponent like Fury, he can’t afford to give those opportunities, nor get drawn in by Fury’s distractions. Joshua has long prided himself on avoiding the pantomime of boxing. He was concerned that his win over Ruiz back in December wasn’t entertaining enough. After Saturday’s victory over Pulev, he immediately spoke of his hope that the 1,000 fans lucky enough to secure one of the tickets had enjoyed the show. But this was about winning, little else.

It was just like Joshua’s previous fight in the U.K., which was back in 2018. It was in the same corner of London, complete with the flaming AJ initials and the White Stripes’ chest-thumping bass guitar riff to welcome Joshua into the arena. Back then, his seventh-round stoppage of Alexander Povetkin was meant to be the last hurdle before a unification fight. But Joshua’s perfectly laid out plan for world domination had to wait as Ruiz stunned the Brit and the boxing world. This victory saw him steer his show back on track. This victory offers Joshua the platform to chase boxing immortality with Fury, who turned to Instagram postfight promising to knock Joshua out in three rounds, lying in wait.

Joshua has done his bit — he built his preparations on “less talk, more action.” That’s his message to the waiting boxing world. Now the power brokers need to get the deal done to give boxing the fight it wants.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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48 Cultists Surrender Firearms, Renounce Membership in Ogun

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48 Cultists Surrender Firearms, Renounce Membership in Ogun

 

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In a bid to quell the alarming surge of violence in Ogun State, particularly in Sagamu, forty-eight youths have taken the bold step of renouncing their membership in cult groups.

This significant development comes alongside the surrender of firearms by those who possessed them illegally, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to combat crime and restore peace.

The arms submitted includes onepump action, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two english pistol, four locally made pistol and thirty-five cartridges

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Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamutu, affirmed the progress, stating, “Aside from those licensed to bear firearms, no other person is permitted to possess them. Anyone found in possession of firearms after this will be treated as a criminal.”

He emphasized the importance of ongoing profiling and the forthcoming stage of the program, which will involve the public parading of those who have renounced their involvement in cult activities.

“After adequately profile them, they’ll be paraded. What we will encourage members of the community so that they don’t treat them as outcast because we know from experience that some of them found themselves in this fold , it was after they have been entrapped in it, they now understand what cultism is and it’s never easy to opt out because of fear of attack. Now that they’re bold enough to surrender what we should do is to reintegrate them as legitimate and law abiding members of the community .”

Acknowledging the complexities surrounding cultism, the Akarigbo of Remo Land Oba Babatunde Ajayi emphasized the need for community engagement and support in facilitating the reintegration of former cult members.

 

 

 

He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the community, law enforcement, and armed forces in addressing the security challenges and expressed optimism in the willingness of surrendered individuals to contribute positively to society.

Special Adviser to the Ogun State Government on Security Matters, Olusola Zubair, commended the collective endeavour that led to the surrender of arms, attributing it to the perseverance and resilience of all stakeholders involved.

He underscored the potential for replicating such initiatives in other areas grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the paramount importance of peace for sustainable development.

“We know that development can only strive where there’s an atmosphere of peace and that’s what we’re clamouring for here. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all other sectors of this state that what we are doing in sagamu today, is doable in other places also . I want to thank the Governor of Ogun State for giving us that support .

“I want to say this is not all the arms that they have been using but just as the Akarigbo said , it’s a continuous process , we are still in that process of recovering these firearms and am sure that most of them will know now that crime doesn’t pay so it is better to live in peace . All of us should live in unity and that’s what will bring development to our state.”

The Director of Department State Services (DSS) Folashade Adekayajo represented by Deputy Director of Operations and Intelligence, Sikiru Kolawole, echoed the call for individuals involved in cult activities to embrace peace and renounce violence.

He emphasized the crucial role of community members in providing information to aid law enforcement efforts in curbing criminal activities.

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Osimhen, Boniface Beat Ronaldo As World’s Best Strikers

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Osimhen, Boniface Beat Ronaldo As World’s Best Strikers

 

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface have been ranked above Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski in the world’s latest top 10 best strikers. Norwegian and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland leads the list, followed by England skipper Harry Kane. The third slot went to Kylian Mbappe. Are there other great African football players that were not ranked but deserve recognition?

 

Osimhen, Boniface Beat Ronaldo As World's Best Strikers

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1. Erling Halaand
2. Harry Kane
3. Kylian Mbappe
4. Victor Osimhen(NIGERIAN)
5. Lauaro Martinez
6. Heung Ming Song
7. Victor Boniface(NIGERIAN)
8. Julian Alvarez
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
10. Robert Lewandoski.

https://www.facebook.com/100064617042388/posts/pfbid02ochLUxJDXa7ixP3ENCGRHq8wmMgojHgdLV9fwZiwBfSdUkyiEehCMnuuVAaSUQ1Al/?app=fbl

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Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

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Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

 

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Ososa, Ijebu, Ogun State will once again be buzzing with football fervor as Kiraa TV, one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment firms, gears up for the 4th edition of the highly anticipated Kiraa Football Cup competition. Scheduled to kick off in April 2024, the organizers have officially released the forms for interested football clubs in Ijebu land, in and outside Ogun State in general.

 

Score & Shine: Organizers Release Forms For Spectacular 4th Edition of Kiraa Football Cup Competition

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The pulsating football action is set to unfold at the Muslim Primary School in Ososa, Ijebu, the traditional venue for the competition. With the success of the 2023 edition, which saw Kiraa FC, owned by Franklin Oluwasegun, clinched the victory among the 16 participating football clubs, with Olasunkanmi Ibrahim winning highest goal scorer award.

 

 

 

The upcoming edition promises even more excitement and fierce competition, as NPFL Referee, Okunuga Muyiwa will be officiating.

 

 

 

Football enthusiasts and clubs across Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, are invited to participate in this unique competition, which has gained a reputation for its thrilling matches and passionate fanbase. The organizers are reaching out to potential sponsors and advertisers, extending a warm welcome to individuals and companies eager to be part of this sporting extravaganza.

 

 

 

 

As Kiraa TV continues to foster a sense of community and entertainment through sports, the Kiraa Football Cup Competition has become a highlight on the local football calendar. With the unveiling of the 2024 edition’s forms, anticipation is building, and football clubs are gearing up for a chance to showcase their skills on the vibrant football stage in Ososa, Ijebu.

Stay tuned for updates as the Kiraa Football Cup 2024 approaches, promising a spectacle of talent, teamwork, and sporting camaraderie in the heart of Ogun State.

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