On this day in 2017, Anthony Joshua heralded the start of a new era of heavyweight boxing by dramatically knocking out Wladimir Klitschko in 11 rounds at Wembley Stadium.

Making the third defence of his IBF title, the Watford boxer also became the WBA champion after recovering from the first knockdown of his career.

In front of an estimated 90,000-strong crowd, a post-war record for a fight in the UK, Joshua faced severe risk of his first defeat after hitting the canvas in the sixth round following a huge right hand from Klitschko.

In his post-fight comments, Joshua expressed gratitude towards Klitschko, saying: “A massive shout out to Wladimir Klitschko for taking part, I’m not going to say too much, in terms of the boxing hall of fame, he’s a role model in and out of the ring.”

Klitschko, graceful in defeat, said: “London, I hope you enjoyed the fight, he beat me at his best, the best man won tonight.”

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.

Anthony Joshua Expresses Gratitude to Nigerian Fans as He Departs Nigeria

Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nigeria for the energy, generosity and kindness shown to him during his recent visit. The British-Nigerian boxer, who had been in the country to complete rehabilitation following an injury, shared his gratitude via a message on Instagram before heading back to England to prepare for his next fight.

Fans Show Support for Anthony Joshua’s Return to Boxing

Supporters flooded Joshua’s post with encouragement and praise.

• Gbadia Figheghawei urged him to “Go and take over the world, my brother.”
• Olumayowa Odejimi added, “We are behind you champ 3x,” predicting a third world title for the fighter.
• @iamdx2 wrote, “You have refuelled your energy, we want you to go and take back your world belts.”
• Royal Diadem noted, “Nigerians know how to have a good time. AJ, you had a good time.”

Highlights from Joshua’s Time in Nigeria

While in Nigeria, Anthony Joshua made headlines with several heartwarming moments that endeared him to fans:

• A viral street-side haircut captured on social media.
• Walking freely through the streets, engaging with locals.
• Visiting Sagamu, his ancestral hometown, which trended widely online.
• Attending the birthday of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.
• A viral encounter with his personal chef.

Joshua, whose roots trace back to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent, proudly wears a tattoo of Africa with Nigeria’s borders outlined on his shoulder  a symbol of his deep connection to his heritage.

Joshua Eyes Boxing Return After Dubois Defeat

The 35-year-old returns to England to resume training after recovering from the injury he suffered in his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September.

His promoter Eddie Hearn recently hinted this may be the final stretch of Joshua’s career.

“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “It could always be your last fight – but realistically, between one and three fights left.”

Deontay Wilder Eyes Clash with Joshua in 2026

Meanwhile, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has rekindled hopes for a blockbuster fight with Joshua. The 38-year-old American, who has suffered four losses in his last five bouts, believes a long-anticipated showdown could happen in 2026.

Portable Challenges Joshua After Defeating Speed Darlington

In a lighter twist, controversial Nigerian street-pop singer Portable (Habeeb Okikiola) stirred online buzz after publicly challenging Joshua to a fight.

“Now that I’ve beaten Speed Darlington, it is only Anthony Joshua I can fight now,” he said in an interview with pressmen, claiming Speed Darlington was not a worthy opponent.

Portable had earlier demanded ₦100 million to face Joshua, keeping fans entertained with his eccentric boxing aspirations.