Joshua-Takam clash light up Sagamu

•Anthony Joshua (left) with Carlos Takam in Cardiff… on Thursday. Photo: BBC Sport

Many residents of Sagamu in Ogun State were in a great mood on Friday ahead of Saturday’s world heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam.

Joshua, whose parents are from Sagamu, came into the prominence in the town when he knocked Wladimir Klitschko out in the 11th round of their heavyweight fight at Wembley Stadium in April.

The Sagamu Youth Congress said they had mobilised the people in the town to watch the fight on the big screen and cheer him on to victory.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the family had sealed an arrangement with SYC and Kwese Sport to beam the fight at the Joshua family’s hall in Sagamu.

“We are ready for Anthony’s next fight. Since it was announced that he would have to defend his title, we began to make preparations to make sure that we make our presence felt,” Adedamola told our correspondent.

“The family has been contacted by Kwese Sport, who broadcast the first fight. This time round we are not making use of the open space near the palace but our ancestral hall. The hall is significant to the Joshua family and that is where the fight will take place.

“The youths have also said they will support us. The entire town is awash with posters of the fight and the time it will be shown. This is our little way of showing our support for our son.

“The members of the family, who are outside the country, have said they will watch the fight in Wales to support him.”

President of the SYC, Kayode Segun-Okeowo, said, “The fight is coming at a time we are celebrating the Sagamu Day. It has been scheduled as part of activities marking the celebration and as such it will be a memorable event for everyone to take part in.

“With the publicity we have created for it, the number of people who will watch the fight at the Baba Josh Memorial Hall will be more than what we had in April. This is our own way of saying we identify with Anthony, who is a great representative of Sagamu.

“Kwese has made it easier because apart from the live show, they have promised to bring gifts for people to win. There will be entertainment from artistes and people will watch the fight in an atmosphere of celebration.”