Under Armour commemorates a night of dedication and resilience as two of their esteemed athletes, Anthony Joshua and Kevin Lerena, demonstrate exceptional skill and fortitude in memorable performances at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
In a monumental announcement preceding his highly anticipated clash with heavyweight mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou, Under Armour reaffirmed its unwavering support for Anthony Joshua with the renewal of their long-term partnership. Since 2015, Under Armour has stood by Joshua’s side, offering leading performance solutions both in and out of the ring as he pursued his journey to become a two-time unified heavyweight world champion.
To mark this momentous occasion, Under Armour released an AI sports commercial titled ‘Forever Is Made Now’, directed by Wes Walker. The film encapsulates Joshua’s mindset as he approaches the fight, hyper-focused on the present and determined to write his story in the here and now. With intensity and dedication, Joshua pushes boundaries and strives for greatness with each step he takes.
Reflecting on the renewed partnership, Joshua expressed gratitude for Under Armour’s steadfast support throughout his career. “Under Armour has been in my corner for over 8 years now, going on an incredible journey together as we constantly pushed to make me a better athlete,” Joshua remarked. “It feels great to confirm a renewed long-term partnership to go on the next part of my journey. They have always supported me to strive for more and have been my longest-standing partner since I started out in boxing.”
However, the night in Riyadh wasn’t solely about Anthony Joshua. In a thrilling showdown on the undercard of the main event, Kevin Lerena, another Under Armour athlete, showcased remarkable skill and strategic brilliance as he faced the undefeated Australian heavyweight, Justis Huni.
Entering the ring with the demeanour of a true champion, Lerena demonstrated years of experience and unwavering dedication. Despite the formidable challenge posed by his opponent, Lerena remained composed and focused, exhibiting mobility, explosiveness, and tactical brilliance with each passing round.
As the final bell rang and the judges rendered their decision, Lerena faced defeat with grace and dignity. Huni was awarded the fight by unanimous decision with three judges scoring him 96-94, 96-94, 98-92. Though the outcome wasn’t what Kevin had hoped for, Lerena’s valiant effort served as a testament to his character and resolve, earning him the respect and admiration of fans worldwide. Despite the setback, Lerena remains undeterred in his pursuit of excellence, vowing to glean lessons from the experience and return stronger in the future. Under Armour stands firmly behind Lerena, supporting him in his journey ahead.
While the match didn’t unfold as desired for Lerena, the Kingdom Arena witnessed historic displays of dedication and perseverance from both fighters. As they reflect on their performances and regroup for the challenges ahead, Joshua and Lerena continue to embody resilience and determination. Their legacies transcend the outcome of a single match, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of boxing.
The Kingdom Arena will forever remember the epic battles fought by Anthony Joshua and Kevin Lerena, and their names will resonate through the annals of boxing history for generations to come.