Anthony Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is finally set to bring his boxing journey back home, to Nigeria.
According to promoter Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group, plans are in motion for Joshua to headline a blockbuster fight in Abuja in the first quarter of 2026. The bout, if confirmed, would be staged at the 50,000-capacity Moshood Abiola National Stadium and mark Joshua’s long-awaited return to the land of his roots.
“Joshua has always said that before he ends his career, he wants to fight in Nigeria, and we are going to make that fight happen,” Adamu told The Ring. “If we had an offer from Nigeria, it’s a match made in heaven.”
Potential opponents being considered include France’s Tony Yoka, Congo-born Martin Bakole, and even former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, who also has Nigerian heritage. Adamu insists the fight will be an all-African affair, describing it as a celebration of the continent’s boxing pride.
The promoter also brushed aside speculation that Ghana could host Joshua.
“I heard rumours about Joshua fighting in Ghana, and I laughed it off. Joshua is Nigerian. Nigeria is the biggest market, and it’s a no-brainer for him to fight here,” he said.
For Joshua, who was born in Watford but schooled in Nigeria during his childhood, the fight would be more than just another title on his résumé. The boxer carries a tattoo of Nigeria’s outline on his right shoulder — a constant reminder of his heritage and the place he calls home.
Adamu believes this event could be a turning point for Nigerian boxing: “We’ve got the population, we’ve got the infrastructure, and we’ve got the technical know-how. October 1 is just a sneak peek. This is only the beginning.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has previously hinted at the idea of an African fight, but until now, it had remained largely theoretical. The Abuja showdown would not only be historic for Joshua but also a milestone moment for African sports, opening the door to more high-profile events on the continent.
For many Nigerians, the prospect of Joshua entering the ring under the Abuja night sky is more than a sporting event — it is a symbolic homecoming, a moment of pride, and a powerful reminder that global icons can still find their way back home.
