Boxing star, Anthony Joshua is actively pursuing the possibility of staging his first-ever professional fight in Africa, with Ghana quickly rising as the favorite location. This week, the Nigeria-British heavyweight’s representatives traveled to Accra to assess potential venues. Including the 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium, and held discussions about hosting the event.
Although Ghana is a leading contender, it remains just one of several options under consideration. According to the Daily Star, Joshua is also weighing a financially lucrative but unconventional bout against social media personality Jake Paul.
The boxing star, whose parents hail from Nigeria. Has repeatedly voiced his ambition to bring world-class boxing back to Africa. The 2012 London Olympic gold medallist is in the process of rebuilding his career after a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. His management team headed by Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith and long-time adviser Freddie Cunningham conducted the Ghana visit as part of an exploratory mission.
Other possible opponents for the African showdown include Tony Yoka French Olympic champion who controversially defeated Joe Joyce at Rio 2016, and Martin Bakole, a Democratic Republic of Congo-born heavyweight now based in Scotland. Yoka, recently signed to Queensberry Promotions, is reportedly eager to meet Joshua in the ring and could be available by late 2025 or early 2026.
While a clash with Jake Paul could attract significant global attention, boxing analysts believe it would offer minimal sporting challenge to the two-time world champion. Joshua has also received a surprise call-out from retired American legend Andre Ward, though Ward’s lack of heavyweight credentials makes the fight unlikely.
At 35, Joshua is targeting an early 2026 return following elbow surgery in May. A potential blockbuster bout with Tyson Fury remains on his wish list, but it hinges on whether the WBC champion ends his retirement.
