Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nigeria for the “energy, generosity and kindness” he experienced during his recent visit, as he departs to continue preparations for his next fight. The British-Nigerian boxer, who had been in his ancestral homeland to complete rehabilitation from an injury, shared his appreciation in a message posted on his Instagram account.
“Nigeria, thank you for your energy, generosity & kindness,” Joshua wrote, a note many fans interpreted as a farewell message as he heads back to England. Supporters flooded the comments with words of encouragement. Gbadia Figheghawei wrote, “Go and take over the world, my brother,” while Olumayowa Odejimi declared, “We are behind you champ 3x,” predicting a third championship title. Another user, @iamdx2, commented, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.” Royal Diadem remarked, “Nigerians know how to have a good time. AJ, you had a good time.”
During his stay, the 35-year-old boxer created several viral moments, including a video of him getting a street-side haircut and walking among crowds, warmly interacting with locals. His embrace of Nigerian culture and connection with fans further endeared him to the public. Proud of his roots, Joshua—born to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent—has a tattoo of Africa on his shoulder, with Nigeria’s borders outlined prominently.
His visit to Sagamu, his ancestral hometown, sparked excitement and trended widely on social media. One standout moment from the trip was his attendance at the birthday celebration of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, where Joshua mingled with Nigerian billionaires. Another viral highlight was a lighthearted interaction with his personal chef.
Now returning to England, Joshua is focused on resuming his boxing career after recovering from the injury he sustained in his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September at Wembley. According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, this could be the final chapter of Joshua’s professional career. “This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
Meanwhile, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has shown interest in facing Joshua in a potential blockbuster bout next year. The 38-year-old American, who is seeking a comeback after losing four of his last five fights, believes their long-anticipated matchup could take place in 2026.
In a lighter note, popular Nigerian street-pop musician Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, may be disappointed by Joshua’s departure. Portable recently declared his desire to fight the boxing star following his victory over fellow entertainer Speed Darlington. “Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” he said, humorously proposing a N100 million bout and dismissing Speed Darlington as an unworthy opponent.
