Anthony Joshua is set to fulfil his dream of fighting in Nigeria, with plans underway for his first-ever bout in Africa in early 2026.
Promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral, revealed discussions with Joshua’s camp have been positive, and all parties are keen to make the homecoming fight a reality.
“Joshua has always said that before he ends his career, he wants to fight in Nigeria, and we are going to make that fight happen,” Adamu told The Ring.
The proposed venue is the 50,000-capacity Abuja Stadium, with Adamu insisting the fight will be an all-African contest. Potential opponents include Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole, or even Deontay Wilder, who also has Nigerian heritage.
Adamu dismissed talk of a Ghana showdown, saying Nigeria is the natural stage for the former two-time heavyweight champion.
“Joshua is Nigerian. Nigeria is the biggest market, with the infrastructure, the population, and the technical know-how to make this happen,” he said.
Joshua, born in Watford but raised partly in Nigeria, proudly carries a tattoo of the country’s outline on his right shoulder. His return to the homeland would be a landmark moment for both his career and African boxing as a whole.
Adamu believes this event could spark a new era for boxing on the continent, noting that Nigeria has the capacity to become a major hub for the sport.
The fight, expected in the first quarter of 2026, would mark not just a personal milestone for Joshua but also a historic leap for African boxing.
