Anthony Joshua’s Africa debut: Ghana moves ahead of Nigeria in hosting race
Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited return to the ring could take place in Ghana, after his promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Accra is ahead of Nigeria in the race to host the two-time world heavyweight champion’s first-ever fight on African soil.
Joshua, 35, has not fought since his dramatic Wembley Stadium clash in September 2024, when he was stopped in the fifth round by Daniel Dubois. His comeback is now expected in the first quarter of 2026, against what Hearn described as a “top-20 opponent”.
Speaking in an interview with The Ring, Hearn disclosed that while Nigerian promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu has expressed strong interest in staging a fight in Joshua’s homeland, discussions with him have not yet taken place.
“Well, I haven’t had a conversation with him. I’m sure he will have spoken to someone who knows AJ but nothing with me,” Hearn explained. “If they want to make an offer then we are open to that and my number is quite easy to get hold of.”
By contrast, Hearn confirmed that Ghana had already held talks and presented a concrete bid. “What we have had is a site visit in Accra, Ghana and they have made an offer. We are very interested in going there in the early part of 2026. I think it would be incredible but we are open to Nigeria as well.”
The promoter cautioned, however, that it was not a straight contest between Ghana and Nigeria, with other venues also in contention. “Ghana is currently only one of three sites that have made offers. We may even fight in the UK. Obviously we have opportunities to fight in the Middle East and the Far East as well. But Joshua will definitely fight in Q1 of 2026.”
Joshua has fought four times in Saudi Arabia since 2019, while speculation has persisted about a possible clash with Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium.
For Ghana, securing a fight featuring one of boxing’s biggest global stars would mark an historic first and a significant boost for the country’s growing reputation as a sporting destination.
