Anthony Joshua Bags Queen Elizabeth Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire Award

By NET NG

Nigerian-born World Heavyweight Boxer, Anthony Joshua has been awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award by the Monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth.

The award which was presented on the occasion of the Queen’s birthday celebration had other sportsmen including footballer Jermain Defoe, double Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold, and former Liverpool footballer Kenny Dalglish among others receiving their own OBE Awards.

Joshua had previously been award the MBE in 2012 after winning a Gold Medal in boxing during the London 2012 Olympics.

Reacting to the awards presentation, British Olympic Association chief executive Bill Sweeney, commended the the recognition given to the Olympians Yarnold Mike Hay and Anthony Joshua.

Sweeney said:

“We are incredibly proud of those honoured today for their contribution to Olympism.

“In particular, Lizzy Yarnold and Anthony Joshua are great examples of athletes that were able to fulfil their not only their Olympic ambitions but give so much back to their communities and country.

“As Chef de Mission, Mike Hay has presided over unprecedented consecutive Winter Games successes, bringing to bear his knowledge and experience in a highly competitive and unpredictable environment.

“His excellent relationships with our winter sports and athletes was self-evident in Pyeongchang and we’re delighted he has been awarded an OBE.”

An OBE is a Queen’s honour given to an individual for a major local role in any activity such as business, charity or the public sector.