Joshua looks for Africa before Fury: Ghana or Nigeria? Hearn reveals plans.

Anthony Joshua, the renowned British boxer, is considering the possibility of fighting in Ghana and Nigeria before facing Tyson Fury in an expected fight in 2026. This was revealed by Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter. Joshua, who will turn 36 next week, hasn’t been in the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. After recovering from an elbow injury, Hearn has indicated that the boxer could return to action at the end of this year or in early 2026. It is rumored that Martin Bakole and Deontay Wilder are the main candidates to be Joshua’s next opponent, after his longest period of inactivity as a professional. Bakole, 33 years old and originally from Congo, could be an option for Joshua to fight in Nigeria. Wilder, 40 years old, achieved his second victory in six fights in June and is expected to fight in early 2026.

Initially I thought not, but now it’s possible that AJ will fight this year.

Eddie Hearn

Hearn has mentioned that Joshua is focused and eager to return to action. The boxer’s motivation is to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. Furthermore, Hearn revealed that proposals have been received from Africa, something Joshua wants to do before retiring from boxing.

We have received a proposal from Ghana and now from Nigeria. I think it would be incredible for AJ to fight in Africa.

Eddie Hearn

Joshua and Hearn’s priority is to secure the expected fight against Fury, also a two-time world champion. Both boxers have held conversations over the last five years without the match materializing.

Hearn recently discussed the possibility of a Joshua vs. Fury showdown with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, an influential figure in world boxing. Hearn also commented that Joshua is eager to fight and stay active, which is good news for boxing fans. Hearn was in Riyadh last week with His Excellency, and that he has a plan for AJ, which inevitably includes the fight with Tyson Fury. Hearn believes that Turki Alalshikh is probably the only one who can make the fight with Tyson Fury happen.