Anthony Joshua Celebrates Victory Over Jake Paul With Nigerian Flag, Sparks Global Reactions

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered both a statement performance and a powerful cultural moment after defeating American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their much-talked-about bout.

While the victory itself reaffirmed Joshua’s pedigree in the ring, it was his post-fight celebration — proudly flaunting Nigeria’s green-white-green flag — that resonated most strongly with fans around the world The bout, which attracted massive global attention due to Jake Paul’s growing influence in crossover boxing, ended in Joshua’s favour after a dominant display of experience, strength and ring intelligence. Despite the hype surrounding Paul, Joshua’s superior boxing fundamentals and heavyweight power ultimately proved decisive, reinforcing the gulf between elite professional boxing and celebrity-driven matchups However, it was what followed the fight that truly captured headlines. Shortly after his victory, Joshua was seen holding and displaying the Nigerian flag, a gesture that quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans, particularly Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, hailed the act as a proud affirmation of heritage and identity by one of the world’s most recognisable boxing stars. Born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, Anthony Joshua has long maintained strong ties to Nigeria. Over the years, he has spoken openly about his upbringing, cultural roots and admiration for Nigeria, frequently referencing the country in interviews and public appearances. His latest gesture added to a long list of moments where he has embraced his heritage on the global stage. Social media platforms were flooded with praise following the celebration, with many Nigerians describing Joshua’s action as “pure class” and a reminder of the pride he brings to the nation. Sports commentators and fans alike noted that, beyond the entertainment value of the fight, Joshua continues to serve as a global ambassador of Nigerian excellence in sports. The fight itself was part of a broader trend of high-profile crossover bouts that blend traditional boxing with celebrity appeal. While critics questioned the competitive balance of the matchup, many acknowledged that Joshua handled the occasion professionally, avoiding unnecessary theatrics and letting his performance speak for itself. Analysts also pointed out that the victory could play a role in shaping Joshua’s future in the heavyweight division. Having faced some of the biggest names in boxing over the past decade, the former champion is widely expected to pursue more competitive and legacy-defining fights going forward. His post-fight comments hinted at ambitions beyond spectacle bouts, suggesting a renewed focus on high-level competition. For Jake Paul, the defeat marked a significant reality check against an elite heavyweight boxer, even as supporters credited him for stepping into the ring with a vastly more experienced opponent. The fight added another chapter to the ongoing debate about celebrity boxing and its place within the sport. Ultimately, Anthony Joshua’s night was defined not just by victory, but by symbolism. By raising Nigeria’s flag after the fight, he reinforced his connection to his roots and reminded the world that, beyond titles and pay-per-view numbers, identity and pride still matter. For many fans, especially Nigerians, it was a moment that transcended boxing — a celebration of heritage, success and global representation.