Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to stage his first professional fight in Africa next year after the Federal Government gave its backing to an ambitious plan spearheaded by Nigerian sports promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu.
Adamu, Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group, disclosed in an interview with The Ring that talks are already underway with Joshua’s camp, with Abuja Stadium — which holds 50,000 spectators — being considered as the venue for the blockbuster bout scheduled for early 2026.
Adamu, who is partnering with Amir Khan Promotions, said the move forms part of his long-term vision to revitalise Nigerian boxing and bring global attention to the country.
“We see October 1 as just a little sneak peek. This is really just a showcase of what Nigeria is about and what we can make happen,” Adamu said while previewing his October 1 show in Lagos, billed as “Nigeria’s biggest fight night ever.”
The October event, titled Chaos in the Ring, will headline a grudge clash between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne and will be broadcast globally on DAZN. It will also feature British-Nigerian light heavyweight Dan Azeez, who turned down more lucrative offers abroad to be part of the Lagos showcase.
According to Adamu, Nigeria’s population, infrastructure and growing technical know-how are making it an attractive destination for elite fighters. “Of course there is Anthony Joshua,” he said. “But what about Efe Ajagba, Deontay Wilder, Lawrence Okolie and also Moses Itauma whose father is from Nigeria. In fact most of the heavyweight division has Nigerian blood in them.”
Joshua, born in Watford, England, spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and has repeatedly expressed his desire to fight in the country before retiring. “We are going to get Joshua,” Adamu said. “I spoke with him, I spoke with his team and they already said to me, ‘If we had an offer from Nigeria it’s a match made in heaven.’ 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.”
Potential opponents for the landmark bout include fellow Africans Tony Yoka and Martin Bakole, with heavyweight star Deontay Wilder also said to be open to an African fight.
“This would definitely be two Africans,” Adamu added. “Now we have a big promotion and Nigeria is the biggest market. It’s a no-brainer for Joshua to fight in Nigeria.”
