Nigerian Power Slap heavyweight Kabiru Adediran, popularly known as “Hulk,” has thrown down the gauntlet to former two time unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, expressing his desire to share the ring with one of the biggest names in world boxing.
The challenge has generated widespread discussion across Nigeria’s combat sports community, with many fans debating whether the ambitious call out could ever become reality. While the two athletes compete in different combat disciplines, Adediran insists his admiration for Joshua has only strengthened his determination to test himself against the Olympic gold medallist.
Speaking in a video that quickly circulated on social media, Adediran dismissed suggestions that his challenge was merely an attempt to gain publicity. According to him, his interest in facing Joshua is genuine and stems from years of following the British Nigerian boxer’s remarkable journey.
The heavyweight fighter described Joshua as one of his greatest inspirations, praising his discipline, athletic physique and achievements in professional boxing. He acknowledged the enormous challenge such a contest would present but maintained that every athlete should dream of competing against the very best.
For Adediran, the opportunity would represent much more than a sporting contest. He believes stepping into the ring with Joshua could completely transform his career and provide financial stability for himself and his family. He openly admitted that even if he were defeated, the chance to compete against one of boxing’s biggest stars would still be life changing.
Known for his explosive power and intimidating presence, Adediran has become one of Nigeria’s fastest rising names in the rapidly growing Power Slap competition. His aggressive style and knockout victories have earned him the nickname “Nigerian Hulk,” while his performances have attracted attention from fans beyond the sport.
Before finding international recognition, Adediran built his reputation in local boxing gyms and informal slap fighting contests. His powerful striking ability eventually caught the attention of the Power Slap promotion, where he has continued to establish himself among the heavyweight contenders.
Standing out for his physical strength and fearless mentality, Adediran has frequently spoken about the importance of confidence in combat sports. He believes mental preparation is just as important as physical ability, saying every successful fighter must first convince himself that victory is possible before entering the arena.
His challenge, however, would require crossing from Power Slap into professional boxing, a move that presents obvious obstacles. Anthony Joshua remains one of the sport’s elite heavyweights, with years of experience at the highest level and victories over several world class opponents.
Joshua won Olympic gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Games before becoming a global superstar in professional boxing. During his career, he captured the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles and established himself as one of the biggest attractions in the sport.
The 36 year old has consistently expressed pride in his Nigerian heritage and has often visited the country, where he enjoys enormous popularity. His success has inspired countless young Nigerian athletes pursuing careers in boxing and other combat sports.
Although Joshua has not responded publicly to Adediran’s challenge, his future schedule is already attracting significant attention. Reports have linked him with major heavyweight contests, including a long anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury and the possibility of fighting in Nigeria in the future.
For now, Adediran’s immediate focus remains building his own reputation in Power Slap while continuing to improve his boxing skills. The challenge has nevertheless increased his visibility and introduced him to a broader audience, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with his journey.
The growing popularity of combat sports in Nigeria has created new opportunities for athletes across multiple disciplines. While boxing remains the country’s most established combat sport, newer competitions such as mixed martial arts and Power Slap are beginning to attract increasing interest from young fans and sponsors.
Adediran hopes his story will inspire other aspiring athletes to pursue ambitious goals regardless of the obstacles they face. His willingness to call out one of boxing’s biggest stars reflects the confidence that has defined his rise from local competitions to the international stage.
Whether the proposed fight ever materialises remains uncertain, but the challenge has already succeeded in placing Kabiru “Hulk” Adediran firmly in the spotlight. For the Nigerian heavyweight, the dream is simple. He wants the opportunity to test himself against Anthony Joshua, the fighter he has admired for years, believing that one night inside the ring could change the course of his career forever.
