LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian promoter Ezekiel Adamu has announced plans to stage a blockbuster fight between Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma in Nigeria next year, following Joshua’s highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, a move that could bring world-class boxing back to the West African nation.
Adamu, who has been instrumental in promoting major boxing events in Nigeria, revealed the plans during a press conference in Lagos on Friday. He said the fight would be a major coup for Nigerian boxing, providing an opportunity for local fans to witness two heavyweight stars compete on home soil.
Joshua, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, is set to face Tyson Fury in a long-awaited showdown later this year. The fight, which has been billed as one of the biggest in boxing history, has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Adamu believes that bringing Joshua to Nigeria for a subsequent fight would be a fitting way to celebrate the boxer’s Nigerian heritage and inspire a new generation of fighters in the country.
Itauma, a rising British-Nigerian heavyweight prospect, has been making waves in the boxing world with his impressive performances. The 20-year-old has been tipped as a future world champion, and a fight against Joshua would represent a major step up in his career. Adamu expressed confidence that Itauma would rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that would excite Nigerian fans.
The proposed event is expected to be held at a major stadium in Lagos or Abuja, with the capacity to accommodate thousands of fans. Adamu said he was in discussions with the Nigerian government and private sector partners to secure the necessary funding and logistical support. He also expressed hope that the fight would attract international broadcasters, further boosting Nigeria’s profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The economic impact of hosting such an event could be substantial, with potential benefits for tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. Adamu noted that the fight would create jobs and provide a platform for Nigerian brands to gain international exposure. He also emphasized the importance of using the event to promote grassroots boxing development in the country.
The fight would also be a significant moment for Nigerian boxing fans, who have long called for top-tier boxing events to be held in the country. The last major boxing event in Nigeria was in 2018, when Anthony Joshua’s compatriot, Dillian Whyte, fought in Lagos. Since then, Nigerian fans have had to travel abroad to watch their favourite fighters.
Adamu acknowledged the challenges of organizing such a high-profile event, including security concerns and infrastructure deficits. However, he expressed confidence that with the right planning and partnerships, these challenges could be overcome. He also called on the government to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the event.
If successful, the Joshua-Itauma fight in Nigeria would mark a significant moment for the country’s boxing scene, bringing international attention to the sport and providing a boost to local fighters. For now, the plans remain in the early stages, but Adamu’s announcement has already generated excitement among Nigerian boxing fans, who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness history in their own country.
