Anthony Joshua Considers Fights in Africa Before Facing Tyson Fury
The renowned boxer Anthony Joshua is evaluating offers to fight in Ghana and Nigeria, prior to a possible mega-fight against Tyson Fury in 2026, according to statements from Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter. Joshua, who will turn 36 next week, hasn’t stepped into the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. After recovering from an elbow injury, Hearn indicated that the boxer could fight again at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. It is rumored that Martin Bakole and former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder are candidates to be Joshua’s next opponent, after a long period of inactivity in his professional career. Bakole, 33 years old and originally from Congo, could be a rival for Joshua in Nigeria. On the other hand, Wilder, 40 years old, achieved his second victory in six fights in June and is expected to fight in early 2026.Hearn revealed that proposals have been received from Africa, something that Joshua wants to do before his retirement. “We have received a proposal from Ghana, and now from Nigeria. I think it would be incredible if AJ fought in Africa,” Hearn added. The main priority for Joshua and Hearn is to finalize the expected fight against Fury, who hasn’t fought since Oleksandr Usyk defeated him on points for the second time. Joshua and Fury, both former world champions, have held conversations to face each other in the last five years, without the fight having materialized.“Initially, I didn’t think AJ would fight this year, but now it’s a possibility,” Hearn commented.
Eddie Hearn
