Anthony Joshua, the former unified world heavyweight champion, is reportedly planning a sensational return to the boxing ring in early 2026.
The British-Nigerian star, who last fought in September 2024, suffered a setback after a defeat to Daniel Dubois in an IBF world title clash at Wembley Stadium. Since then, Joshua has been on the sidelines, nursing injuries, but insiders say he is now actively exploring potential venues for his long-awaited comeback, with Nigeria and Ghana emerging as frontrunners.
Promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, fresh from organizing a high-profile boxing event in Lagos alongside former world champion Amir Khan, confirmed that discussions are underway to bring Joshua back home. “The previous event was a tremendous success. It opened new doors for boxing in Africa, and the response from the fans, the boxing community, and government officials has been overwhelmingly positive,” Adamu revealed.
Adamu added that plans are being laid for Joshua’s return in the first quarter of 2026. “We’ve had initial conversations, and the momentum is building. AJ has always said he wants to fight in Africa before the end of his career, and Nigeria is the perfect stage to make that dream a reality,” he said.
Why Nigeria is the Perfect Venue
With over 250 million people, Nigeria represents a massive, largely untapped market for boxing. Dr. Adamu highlighted the country’s growing enthusiasm for the sport, positioning it as an ideal host for a global boxing event. “Nigeria is the economic hub of Africa. Hosting a fight of this magnitude will show the world that Africa is ready for major boxing nights,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole has already expressed interest in facing Joshua if the fight comes to fruition. Bakole, a former sparring partner of AJ, is looking to rebuild his career after losses to Joseph Parker and a draw against Efe Ajagba.
If confirmed, this fight would be Joshua’s first professional bout on African soil, fulfilling a long-held ambition to compete in the continent where his parents were born—a moment expected to electrify boxing fans across Nigeria and beyond.
