Anthony Joshua is exploring the possibility of staging his first professional fight in Africa, with Ghana emerging as a leading candidate, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria-British heavyweight’s representatives travelled to Accra this week to inspect venues, including the 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium, and to hold talks about hosting a bout there, according to the Daily Star.
While a fight in Ghana is only one of several options under consideration, the Daily Star reports Joshua is also in discussions over a potential showdown with social media personality Jake Paul.
“Anthony Joshua is considering a fight in Africa as he mulls over his next boxing opponent – which could be against social media star Jake Paul,” the British tabloid reported.
“Joshua’s reps flew out to Accra this week to take a look at venues and hold talks about staging a fight there. But it is only one of a number of options on the table for the Watford warrior.”
Joshua, whose parents are Nigerian, has long expressed a desire to bring big-time boxing to Africa. The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist is rebuilding his career after a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.
The Daily Star also confirmed that His management team, led by Matchroom Boxing chief executive Frank Smith and long-time adviser Freddie Cunningham, “held meetings in Ghana earlier this week as part of an exploratory visit”.
Potential opponents for an African bout include Frenchman Tony Yoka, who controversially beat Joe Joyce to win gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and Democratic Republic of Congo-born heavyweight Martin Bakole, who is based in Scotland.
Yoka, who has recently joined Queensberry Promotions, is reportedly eager to face Joshua and could be available late in 2025 or in 2026.
The reports add that a clash with Paul would be financially lucrative but “would offer little or no test” to the two-time world champion.
Another unexpected call-out came from retired former super-middleweight and light-heavyweight champion Andre Ward, although his lack of heavyweight experience makes such a bout improbable.
Joshua, 35, is targeting a return to the ring in early 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery in May.
While he had initially hoped to fight in December, recovery has pushed back those plans. He still harbours hopes of facing Tyson Fury next year, but that will depend on whether the WBC champion decides to end his retirement.
