Eddie Hearn Discusses Anthony Joshua’s Interest in Africa Fight Offers While Maintaining Focus on Tyson Fury Bout

Anthony Joshua Eyes African Fights, Pursues Fury Showdown in 2026

London, United Kingdom – October 9, 2025 – Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is carefully charting his path back to the top, with potential fights in Ghana and Nigeria under consideration before a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury in 2026. This news comes from promoter Eddie Hearn, signaling a strategic approach to Joshua’s return to form.

Joshua’s Recovery and Return to Training

Joshua, 35, has not competed sence a stunning knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September of 2024.The loss prompted surgery to address an elbow injury, delaying his return to the ring. Hearn has now confirmed Joshua is fully recovered and actively preparing for a comeback, tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.

Potential Opponents and African Opportunities

The potential opponents for Joshua’s return include Martin bakole, a Congolese fighter, and former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Bakole, 33, could be a viable opponent for a fight staged in Nigeria, while Wilder, 40, represents a significant test of Joshua’s current form. Hearn revealed that offers have also been received from Ghana, indicating a genuine desire to host Joshua on African soil. According to data from the World Boxing Council, a fight on African soil would mark a historic moment for the sport, expanding its reach to a rapidly growing market.

Hearn’s Insights into Joshua’s Mindset

Hearn recently met with Joshua in Dubai,and was impressed by his renewed focus and determination. “He is realy back and locked in,” Hearn stated. “Getting over the defeat took him a good few months, then he had the injury. But when I saw him in Dubai I just really wanted to look him in the eye and find out if he wanted a quick money grab before he calls it quits, or if he really wants it, and the answer is the latter.”

The Fury Fight Remains the Ultimate Goal

Despite considering interim bouts, the ultimate target for Joshua remains a showdown with Tyson Fury.The pair have been linked to a fight for over five years, but logistical and financial hurdles have consistently prevented the contest from materializing. Recent reports suggest that Saudi Arabian chairman Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in global boxing, is actively working to facilitate the fight.

“I’ve never heard him speak about anyone like he speaks about Tyson Fury,” Hearn added,indicating joshua’s intense desire for the fight. “He really wants to fight him, and really wants to beat him.”

Here’s a quick look at the key contenders:

Fighter	Age (as of oct 9, 2025)	Record	Nationality
Anthony Joshua	36	28-4, 25 KOs	British
Tyson Fury	37	34-2-1, 24 KOs	British
Deontay Wilder	40	44-4-1, 32 kos	American
Martin Bakole	33	21-2-1, 16 KOs	Congolese

Did You know? In 2024, boxing generated approximately $2.2 billion in revenue globally, with heavyweight bouts consistently drawing the largest audiences.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Turki Alalshikh’s movements – his involvement ofen signals major developments in the boxing world.

The Evolving Landscape of Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight division is currently in a period of dynamic change. Oleksandr Usyk’s recent victory over Tyson Fury has further elaborate the title landscape, adding another layer of intrigue to potential matchups. The increasing involvement of Saudi Arabian investment, led by Turki Alalshikh, is reshaping the financial dynamics of the sport, allowing for unprecedented fight purses and promotional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anthony Joshua’s Future

• What is Anthony Joshua’s next fight? Anthony Joshua is considering fights against Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder, potentially in Africa, before a possible showdown with Tyson Fury.
• when is the potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury? The targeted timeframe for a Joshua vs. Fury fight is 2026.
• Why is Anthony Joshua considering fighting in Africa? Joshua expressed a desire to fight on the African continent before retiring, and offers from Ghana and Nigeria are being explored.
• What is Eddie Hearn’s role in Joshua’s career? Eddie Hearn is Anthony Joshua’s promoter and is actively negotiating potential fights and opportunities.
• Is Turki alalshikh involved in making the Fury fight happen? Yes, Turki Alalshikh is playing a key role in negotiations, potentially providing the financial backing needed to finalize the fight.

What are your thoughts on Joshua’s decision to potentially fight in Africa? Do you believe he can regain his championship form? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What potential benefits, beyond financial gain, could staging a fight in Africa offer Anthony Joshua?

Joshua’s Expanding Horizons: Exploring African opportunities

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom sport, recently addressed growing speculation surrounding Anthony Joshua’s potential fights in africa. while consistently reiterating the priority remains securing the highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, Hearn confirmed Joshua is actively considering offers to stage bouts on the African continent. this signals a strategic move to broaden joshua’s global appeal and tap into a burgeoning boxing market.

Hearn emphasized Joshua’s strong connection to his Nigerian heritage and his desire to give back to the continent through boxing. Several African nations, including Nigeria and Kenya, have reportedly expressed significant interest in hosting a major Joshua fight, offering substantial financial incentives and logistical support.Thes offers aren’t simply about the money; they represent a chance for Joshua to inspire a new generation of African boxers and elevate the sport’s profile across the region.

Key African Nations in the Running

* Nigeria: Joshua’s ancestral homeland, Nigeria, holds a special importance. Hosting a fight there would be a symbolic and emotionally charged event.

* Kenya: Kenya has emerged as a strong contender, boasting a growing boxing fanbase and a modern infrastructure capable of hosting large-scale events.

* South Africa: With a rich boxing history, South africa presents a viable option, offering established venues and a passionate sporting public.

* Ghana: Ghana is also showing interest, leveraging its boxing tradition and growing tourism sector.

The fury Fight: Still the Undisputed priority

Despite the allure of African fight offers, Hearn remains steadfast in his commitment to making the Joshua vs. fury fight happen. He acknowledges the complexities involved – including promotional rights, broadcasting deals, and potential geopolitical factors – but insists all parties are working towards a resolution.

“Look, the Fury fight is the one,” Hearn stated in a recent interview. “Its the biggest fight in British boxing history, and it’s what the fans want to see. We’re navigating a lot of moving parts, but we’re confident we can get it over the line.”

Hurdles to Overcome for Joshua vs. Fury

1. Promotional Conflicts: Both fighters are currently aligned with different promoters (Matchroom for Joshua, Queensberry Promotions for Fury), requiring careful negotiation to ensure a mutually beneficial agreement.
2. Broadcasting Rights: Securing a unified broadcasting deal that satisfies both fighters and their respective networks is crucial.
3. Financial Terms: Agreeing on a fair purse split and revenue-sharing model is a significant challenge.
4. Location: While the UK remains the preferred location for many, potential offers from Saudi Arabia and other international venues add another layer of complexity.

Strategic Implications of Considering African Fights

Hearn views the exploration of African fight offers as a smart strategic move,even while prioritizing the Fury bout.It serves multiple purposes:

* Increased Global Reach: Fighting in Africa would considerably expand Joshua’s fanbase and brand recognition in a rapidly growing market.

* Enhanced Market Value: Successfully staging a major boxing event in Africa could increase Joshua’s market value and attract lucrative sponsorship deals.

* Positive Social Impact: Joshua’s presence in Africa could inspire young athletes and contribute to the progress of boxing infrastructure in the region.

* Negotiating Leverage: Demonstrating Joshua’s appeal beyond traditional boxing markets could strengthen his negotiating position in future fight deals.

Recent Developments & Timeline

As of October 9, 2025, negotiations for the Joshua-Fury fight are ongoing, with a potential date in early 2026 being discussed. Hearn has indicated that a decision regarding a potential african fight will likely be made in the coming months,contingent on the progress of the Fury negotiations. He has also mentioned preliminary discussions with potential African partners regarding venue selection and logistical planning. The latest reports suggest saudi Arabia is still a frontrunner for the Fury fight, but the African offers remain on the table as a viable option.

Anthony Joshua’s Fight Record (as of Oct 9, 2025)

* total Fights: 28

* Wins: 27

* Losses: 1

* Draws: 0

* Knockouts: 24

The Future of boxing in Africa

The growing interest in hosting major boxing events in Africa reflects a broader trend of the sport’s globalization. With a young and passionate fanbase, coupled with increasing economic development, Africa presents a significant opportunity for boxing