Anthony Joshua is exploring the prospect of staging his first professional bout in Africa, with Ghana emerging as a leading candidate to host the event.
Representatives of the Nigeria-born British heavyweight travelled to Accra this week to inspect potential venues — including the 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium — and hold talks with local officials.
According to multiple reports, the trip formed part of an exploratory visit led by Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith and Joshua’s long-time adviser Freddie Cunningham.
While no decision has been made, Ghana is believed to be one of several options under consideration. Joshua has also been linked with a possible showdown against American social media personality Jake Paul, a fight that would be financially lucrative but — according to reports — offer “little or no test” to the two-time world champion.
Joshua, 35, has often spoken of his desire to bring elite boxing to Africa, following in the footsteps of historic bouts such as Muhammad Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire (now DR Congo) in 1974. His parents hail from Nigeria, and a bout on the continent would represent a significant personal milestone.
Potential opponents for an African fight include French Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka — who controversially beat Britain’s Joe Joyce in the Rio 2016 final and has recently signed with Queensberry Promotions — and DR Congo-born heavyweight Martin Bakole, who is based in Scotland. Yoka could be available in late 2025 or 2026.
It was also reported that Joshua has received an unexpected call-out from retired American great Andre Ward, a former super-middleweight and light-heavyweight champion. However, Ward’s lack of heavyweight experience makes such a contest unlikely.
Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery, which has delayed his planned December return. He is now targeting early 2026 for his comeback fight as he continues to rebuild following a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
A long-awaited clash with WBC champion Tyson Fury remains an ambition, though it would hinge on Fury reversing his retirement decision.