Andy Ruiz Jr. dethroned British title-holder Anthony Joshua with a stunning seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday to become the first Mexican-American world heavyweight champion.
Joshua, previously undefeated and fighting for the first time in the United States, was defending his IBF, WBA and WBO titles but was knocked down four times in the fight before the referee waved off the contest in the seventh.
Joshua said he could have fought on but had no harsh words for the referee.
“I want to fight. I am never one of those fighters to disrespect a referee like, ‘he should have done this’ or ‘he should have done that,’” he added.
“He called it off when he thought I couldn’t fight. It’s a shame. But I don’t want anyone to drown in their sorrows.”
The defeat was a setback but Joshua said he would be back.
“Boxing is a tough sport. I trained hard, I stayed dedicated. And I just got beat by a good fighter tonight,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see how far he goes but good luck to him.
The Black Stars were eliminated from the 2022 football Mundial after losing by 2 -O to Uruguay in their final match of the group stages. The Black Stars team was together in group H with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay. The Stars had then managed to pick up 3 points in two games , losing narrowly to Portugal before dispatching South Korea 3-2 in the Second game.
The Black Stars then needed a win or a draw to automatically ticket them to the round of 16. Prior to the match, Joseph Matthew who is noted with the hit song ‘Blessed’, cautioned the Ghanaian team to remain disciplined and focused till the end of the game.
According to the ‘Blessed’ hitmaker, the Stars will lose to Uruguay if they play like how they did in their first two games. In a post on his social media pages, Joseph Matthew said:
“WE MUST KEEP OUR DISCIPLINE!
The truth of the whole matter is, Ghana will lose this game if we go in as we did our last 2 games. We must keep our composure and discipline throughout! We have not done this in our first 2 games, but this must change ASAP if we are to have any real success in this competition.
Suarez is not our problem. We lack discipline and composure. That has to change in this game period! Big up @blackstarsofghana_ we have more than enough quality to win this one, but we must keep the DISCIPLINE AND COMPOSURE FOR 90 MINUTES!!”.
In vindication to what he said, the Black Stars lost the game. Although the Stars were awarded a penalty by the referee, unfortunately, Captain Dede Ayew who volunteered to take the penalty had it saved by the Uruguay goalkeeper who went in the right direction to deny Ghana a goal.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s two goals for Uruguay were also not enough to take them through to the next round of the tournament as together with the Black Stars were eliminated from this year’s world cup.
Below is Joseph Matthew’s post.
The Ghana Blackstars team has since their exit received great backlashes from Ghanaians and fans of the team. Many are those who believe the coach of the team, Otto Addo should be blamed.
Talented Ghanaian songstress Ranaya Pappoe affectionately called Shatana has pleaded with the general public to stop criticizing the senior national team, “The Black Stars” but rather motivate them as they face Uraguay this afternoon.
In a video sighted on social media, the sister of late musician, Terry Bonchaka stated that The Black Stars team does not need foil energy, “Mp3 Dede”
Otoo Addo “Mp3 Dede, Blackstars Mp3 Dede” she added.
According to her the Ghana Black Stars players and the entire management team needs nothing but encouragement to aid them to sail successfully through to the round of 16.
She further mentioned that the only thing the Ghana Blackstars team needs now is prayers and support from the nation.
Ghana and Uruguay go head to head today in Group H to determine who breaks through to join Portugal in the next round.
