British-Nigerian heavyweight star Anthony Joshua is reportedly closing in on a sensational comeback fight—one that could be staged on Nigerian soil, marking the first major global boxing event in the country’s history.
According to reports, Joshua’s management team is in advanced talks with promoters and Nigerian sporting authorities to host the bout in Lagos or Abuja as part of efforts to reconnect the two-time world champion with his African roots.
The proposed fight would not only mark Joshua’s long-awaited return to the ring but also serve as a symbolic homecoming, rekindling the spirit of legendary bouts once dreamed of for the continent since the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire.
While details of the opponent are still under wraps, insiders suggest the event is being lined up for early 2026, with both local and international sponsors showing interest in bringing the blockbuster to Africa.
“We’ve had a preliminary conversation, and we’ll keep going,” promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu told Sky Sports regarding plans in Nigeria to bring an AJ bout to that region. “We’re looking at Q1 next year.”
“We all know AJ’s always said he wants to fight in Africa before the end of his career … and we believe that we are actually poised to make that happen.”
Joshua, who has been rebuilding his career with a string of convincing wins, recently hinted at the possibility of fighting in Nigeria. “It’s always been a dream of mine to fight at home, where my roots are,” he said. “It would mean everything to me and to millions of fans back in Africa.”
If confirmed, the bout could serve as a landmark moment for African boxing, potentially boosting Nigeria’s global sporting profile and sparking new investment in sports infrastructure across the region.
