The wait for Anthony Joshua’s next fight might soon be over—as a new return date for the British-Nigerian heavyweight star has reportedly emerged, shortly after Matchroom Boxing confirmed plans for a major fight night in Accra, Ghana.
Anthony Joshua, who hasn’t competed since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024, is currently preparing a rematch for February 2026 after Matchroom announced its expansion to Accra just before Christmas.
In keeping with the tradition of “The Rumble in the Jungle,” Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom has also hinted at the prospect of Joshua travelling to Africa for a bout.
“AJ” will not be featured at Matchroom’s first-ever event in West Africa. Hearn has confirmed that a card will take place in Accra, Ghana, on December 20 and will serve as a “precursor” to Joshua’s bout there in February of next year.
“We’re doing a show in Ghana on December 20th,” Hearn told The Ring. “Obviously, this will not be an AJ show, but it’s still going to be a good show.
“The idea is that this is probably a precursor for an AJ show out there, but it’s not part of our initial deal. We can just get the lay of the land with this one.
“Frank [Smith] went out there for a site visit and was impressed by what he saw. This deal is with the same people. We are working on what fighters will feature on the card at the moment.
“There will be some with Ghanaian backgrounds and then some of our own fighters as well. Then we are looking to go back there with AJ in February.”
Fans have been buzzing about Joshua’s next move—especially amid growing speculation of showdowns with the likes of Filip Hrgović, Zhilei Zhang, or even a Tyson Fury rematch if the heavyweight landscape allows.
Matchroom’s Accra event on December 20 will reportedly feature a mix of African and British fighters, further fueling excitement about a possible Anthony Joshua homecoming fight in Africa down the line.
