Anthony Joshua is set to make his professional boxing debut in Africa in early 2026, with Nigeria as the top contender to host the event Cyber Reporters reports.
Promoter Ezekiel Adamu revealed that discussions with Joshua’s team have been overwhelmingly positive, with Joshua expressing his long-held dream to fight in Nigeria before retiring.
Adamu confirmed that the fight will likely take place at the 50,000-capacity Abuja National Stadium.
According to Adamu, there are plans for an all-African contest featuring potential matchups against boxers like Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole, or Deontay Wilder, all of whom have shown interest in participating in an African bout.
The promoter believes Nigeria has the infrastructure and potential to become a heavyweight boxing hub, citing the country’s large population, technical know-how, and existing infrastructure as advantages.
This potential bout would not only be a dream come true for Joshua but also a historic event for Nigerian boxing, potentially inspiring a new generation of fighters.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has previously mentioned the possibility of Joshua fighting in Africa, but the concept had remained theoretical until now.
With the Nigerian government’s support, this event could mark a significant moment for African boxing, potentially opening the door for more high-profile fights on the continent.
