Anthony Joshua’s dream to fight in Africa may materialise sooner-rather-than-later as Matchroom maps multi-fight footprint across the continent
Anthony Joshua could finally realise his long-stated ambition to fight in Africa after Matchroom CEO Frank Smith flew to Ghana to hold exploratory meetings in Accra and open discussions over a broader, multi-event partnership designed to develop elite boxing across the region.
Smith travelled to Accra earlier this month to scope out potential venues and met with local promoters, including Legacy Sports, who staged Amir Khan‘s event in the country earlier this year.
Smith told Daily Mail Sport that the Accra Sports Stadium is currently being evaluated as a potential venue for AJ and other Matchroom fighters – claiming the infrastructure is already in place to deliver a major event.
Smith also explained how discussions have also extended beyond boxing, with Matchroom exploring concerts and cross-entertainment ventures to maximise the long-term impact of a partnership.
‘Hosting an AJ fight in Ghana is a very realistic opportunity if the Jake Paul fight doesn’t happen next,’ Smith told Daily Mail Sport. ‘We looked at stadium options and logistics. From what we’ve seen, we could pack out 50–60,000 including the pitch at Accra Sports Stadium.’
The Matchroom CEO went on to add: ‘This isn’t only about AJ. It’s about a long-term partnership to grow boxing in Ghana, Nigeria and across Africa – something that outlives his career.’
Ghana’s boxing scene has roared back into global view this summer. On June 13, 2025, Amir Khan co-promoted the ‘Battle of the Beasts’ card at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra alongside Legacy Rise Sports, drawing a high-energy crowd and widespread local coverage.
Though the venue was smaller than what Matchroom will be pushing for, the night drew an electric atmosphere, sparking renewed belief that Ghana could handle boxing at the highest level.
Khan has since doubled down on his African push. On October 1 he will take boxing to Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in Lagos, co-promoting the DAZN-broadcast ‘Chaos in the Ring’ card with Balmoral Group Promotions.
While Smith insists no opponent has been identified for a AJ’s potential fight in Ghana, French heavyweight Tony Yoka has sought to insert himself into the frame.
In an interview with L’Equipe earlier this month, Yoka said a fight with Joshua on African soil was ’90 per cent done’ and that Matchroom were flying to Ghana to inspect facilities and secure a venue.
However, Smith dismissed those claims, stressing that Matchroom has not begun opponent discussions and insisted they are prioritising the logistics of an African fight night first.
‘We haven’t really even looked at opponents,’ he said. ‘Taking AJ to Ghana is about putting on a huge event and a moment that lives on. He could fight anyone there and it’d be massive.’
For now, Joshua’s immediate focus appears to be elsewhere. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has spoken openly about negotiations with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, and admitted there is a ‘very good chance’ the fight happens next.
Hearn has argued, controversially, that Joshua vs Paul could eclipse even a Tyson Fury fight in terms of global commercial appeal.
Smith echoed that sentiment, saying the Paul talks are currently ‘the focus’ for Joshua’s next bout. But with no venue holds, sanctioning body approvals or official broadcast announcements yet in place, the Ghana plan has emerged as a compelling alternative.
The timetable also points towards early 2026. Joshua underwent surgery earlier this year and, according to Smith, is unlikely to fight again before December. ‘Honestly, it would be a struggle this side of the year,’ he said. ‘Early part of next year is more realistic.’
Whether the Ghana moment comes next or after a detour against Jake Paul remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the wheels are now turning. With Ghana building momentum as a genuine fight hub and Nigeria entering the fray, Africa may deliver a spectacle worthy of the sport’s greatest nights.
