Anthony Joshua Set to Make Historic Boxing Debut in Nigeria in 2026
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that British-Nigerian heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is finally on course to fulfil his long-held dream of fighting in Nigeria, with plans already underway for a historic bout in early 2026.
The announcement was made by Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral, who confirmed that talks with Joshua’s camp have been highly positive.
According to him, the two-time world champion has agreed in principle to headline his first fight on African soil during the first quarter of next year.
Joshua, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to stage a fight in Nigeria before the end of his career, welcomed the idea wholeheartedly.
Adamu disclosed that the Abuja National Stadium, with its 50,000-seat capacity, has been chosen as the venue, with the intention of staging an all-African showdown.
Possible opponents under consideration include Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole, and even former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, who also shares Nigerian heritage.
Addressing speculations about Joshua potentially fighting elsewhere on the continent, Adamu was emphatic: “This story belongs in Nigeria.”
He highlighted Joshua’s deep ties to the country, recalling that the boxer spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and carries a tattoo of the nation’s outline on his shoulder as a permanent tribute to his roots.
For Adamu, the planned event is more than just a fight, it marks the dawn of a new era for Nigerian boxing.
He argued that Nigeria’s large population, growing infrastructure, and technical capacity position the country as a potential hub for global boxing.
As a precursor, Balmoral is organizing the Chaos in the Ring boxing show in Lagos on October 1, which Adamu described as a glimpse of bigger things to come.
Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, has previously floated the possibility of staging a fight in Africa, though the idea remained speculative.
OTN News, however, observes that with concrete preparations now underway, Joshua’s homecoming bout could become a turning point for the sport on the continent, opening doors for more high-profile contests in Africa and reaffirming Nigeria’s place on the world boxing map.
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