Anthony Joshua Earns Millions Despite Knockout Loss to Daniel Dubois

In a dramatic heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois. Despite the defeat, Joshua is set to walk away with significantly higher earnings than Dubois, highlighting his star power in the boxing world.

According to reports Joshua was guaranteed £6 million simply for stepping into the ring. Depending on pay-per-view sales, his total earnings could soar to an impressive £25 million. In contrast, Dubois, who shocked many with his victory over the veteran fighter, secured a guaranteed purse of £3.5 million, with the potential to rise to £10 million.

At 34, Joshua’s ability to command such substantial sums despite the loss is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the sport. His fan base remains among the largest in boxing, and the fight drew record-breaking attention. Turki Alalshikh, a key promoter of the event, claimed an attendance of “more than 98,128” fans, setting a new benchmark for British boxing matches.

After the bout, Joshua, now with four career losses, took to Instagram to address his supporters. In a video posted on Monday, he thanked his fans and expressed his determination to continue his boxing career, despite mounting calls for his retirement.

We came up short, but we’ve got to look at all the positives, and that’s the mindset we have to have—a positive one, always,” Joshua said. “Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years. I want to thank everyone who’s been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey! But you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet.”

Meanwhile, Dubois’ victory has skyrocketed him to the top of the heavyweight division, positioning him as a potential contender for marquee fights against elite opponents like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. A rematch with Joshua also looms as a possibility, given the high stakes and fan interest.

While Joshua reflects on his next steps, Dubois’ future seems brighter than ever, with major fights likely on the horizon as he cements his place among the heavyweight elite.

VeryDarkMan Defies EFCC: “I Won’t Honour Your Invitation, It Makes No Sense”

Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan, has announced that he will not honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding his allegations against the popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

https://twitter.com/storm9ja/status/1838648785850737023

In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, VeryDarkMan expressed his distrust of the EFCC and questioned the rationale behind the agency’s request for him to appear at their Lagos office, considering that he does not reside in Lagos, and the EFCC’s headquarters is located in Abuja. He further urged the EFCC to investigate its own officers and to summon Bobrisky to Abuja for questioning.

The controversy stems from an earlier accusation made by VeryDarkMan, who alleged that Bobrisky had bribed EFCC officials with ₦15 million to quash a money laundering investigation against him. These claims prompted the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to order an immediate investigation. Both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan were subsequently invited to the EFCC’s Lagos office for questioning.

https://twitter.com/VeryDarkMan/status/1838976633208000875

However, in his response, VeryDarkMan made it clear that he would not comply with the invitation, citing concerns about his safety and lack of trust in the agency. He emphasized that the EFCC should first scrutinize its own officers before summoning him.

“Before you (EFCC) invite someone like me, do a deep investigation on your officers first. When you get the result from your officers who handled Bobrisky’s file, then you can invite me,” he stated.

He also questioned why he was being asked to appear in Lagos when the EFCC’s headquarters is in Abuja, insisting that Bobrisky should be invited to the capital instead.

“Lastly, why I would not go to Lagos is that I don’t have ₦15 million to pay for anything. I don’t have any godfather anywhere and I don’t want to be framed. I don’t trust you and I won’t go to Lagos,” he added.

The standoff between VeryDarkMan and the EFCC has sparked significant public interest, with many awaiting further developments on the high-profile case involving Bobrisky and the allegations of corruption within the anti-graft agency.

2baba Celebrates 48th Birthday

Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, celebrates his birthday today, September 18, 1975. The Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has left an indelible mark on Africa’s music scenene.

Renowned for his vocal prowess, profound lyrics, and enduring career, 2Baba is hailed as one of Africa’s musical icons. His solo debut album, Face2Face, featuring the hit “African Queen,” revolutionized Nigerian pop music in the 2000s, garnering widespread acclaim across the continent and beyond.

Having claimed the inaugural MTV EMA Best African Act award in 2005, 2Baba stands as one of Nigeria’s most decorated musicians, boasting a legacy of accolades that solidify his status as a trailblazer in the industry.

AS Roma Parts Ways with Manager Daniele De Rossi Following Winless Start

After a disappointing beginning to the Serie A season, Roma has made the decision to terminate manager Daniele De Rossi’s contract. 

The club, which has only secured three points in four Serie A matches, has faced challenges under De Rossi’s leadership.

De Rossi, a revered figure at Roma, served as the team’s captain for many years before transitioning to the role of manager in 2023 following Jose Mourinho’s departure. Despite a promising start, the team has struggled to find consistency, prompting speculation about De Rossi’s future at the club.

The recent SSerie A season commenced a few weeks ago, with Roma managing to secure only three draws and suffering one defeat in their four matches, a performance not seen since the 2010-11 season. 

Roma releases statement 

The club however released a statement to that effect expressing their gratitude for De Rossi’s contributions to the club both as a former player and a manager. 

De Rossi

“AS Roma announces that it has relieved Daniele De Rossi of his role as head coach of the First Team,” reads the official statement.

“The Club’s decision is adopted in the interest of the team, in order to be able to promptly resume the desired path, at a time when the season is still at its beginning.

To Daniele, who will always be at home in the Giallorossi Club, a heartfelt thank you for the work carried out in recent months with passion and dedication.

Communications on the team’s technical guidance will follow.”

Consequently, the quest for De Rossi’s replacement has begun, with various seasoned managers being considered for the position.

AS Roma supporters eagerly await nnews on who will be entrusted with revitalizing the club and guiding them back to their former glory.

Wizkid Launches ‘Morayo’ Era with Fresh Track Featuring Brent Faiyaz

Wizkid Gears Up for ‘Morayo’ Album with Debut Single Featuring Brent Faiyaz

Nigeria’s Afrobeats artist, Wizkid, is poised to unveil the initial track from his forthcoming album ‘Morayo’. The much-anticipated single from his sixth album, ‘Morayo’, has been revealed after eager anticipation.

On September 17, 2024, Wizkid excitedly shared on social media the news of his collaboration with American R&B sensation Brent Faiyaz in a new song titled ‘Pieces Of My Heart’, scheduled for release on Friday, September 20, 2024. This announcement coincides with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s second album, which featured the chart-topping hit ‘Ojuelegba’.

Fans worldwide have been honouring the album and its iconic tracks that significantly contributed to the international recognition of Nigerian music. 

wizkid

‘Piece of My Heart’ is Wizkid’s inaugural release of 2024, foallowing his recent guest appearances on DJ Tunez’s ‘Apala Disco’ remix and Shenseea’s ‘Work Me Out’.

This single heralds the ‘Morayo’ era, an album named in tribute to Wizkid’s late mother, who passed away in 2023. Wizkid has described this upcoming album as his most exceptional work to date, and the collaboration with Brent Faiyaz offers a glimpse into the musical journey fans can expect from this highly anticipated project.