Joshua seeks Africa and yearns for Fury: Hearn reveals plans for 2026

Anthony Joshua Considers Fights in Africa Before Facing Tyson Fury

The renowned boxer Anthony Joshua is evaluating proposals to fight in Ghana and Nigeria, prior to an expected match against Tyson Fury in 2026, according to statements from Eddie Hearn, promoter of Matchroom. Joshua, who will turn 36 next week, hasn’t stepped into the ring since his technical knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. After recovering from an elbow injury, Hearn indicated that Joshua will fight again at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. Among Joshua’s possible rivals are Martin Bakole and Deontay Wilder, former WBC heavyweight champion. Bakole, 33, could be Joshua’s opponent in Nigeria. Wilder, who turns 40 this month, secured 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 reported that Joshua is focused and eager to resume his career. The boxer seeks to regain his status and become a three-time heavyweight world champion. Furthermore, Hearn revealed that proposals have been received from Africa, a desire that Joshua has expressed before retiring from boxing. “We’ve had an approach from Ghana and now from Nigeria. I think it would be incredible for AJ to fight in Africa,” Hearn stated. Joshua and Hearn’s priority is to secure the expected fight against their compatriot and also two-time world champion Fury. Both boxers have held conversations for the last five years for a match that has not yet materialized.

Hearn has held conversations about the Joshua vs. Fury fight with Turki Alalshikh, an influential figure in world boxing. Hearn mentioned that Joshua has a great desire to face Fury. “He really wants to fight him and defeat him,” he added. Joshua is looking to stay active and gain momentum before a big fight. Hearn commented that Alalshikh could be key to securing the fight against Fury, due to his ability to organize the most important boxing events.