Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed that Ghana are currently ahead of Nigeria in the race to host Anthony Joshua's first historic boxing bout on the African continent.

The two-time heavyweight champion has been out of the ring since suffering a fifth-round knockout to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September last year.

AJ, who is of a Nigerian descent has expressed hopes of staging a historic bout in his native country.

CEO of Balmoral promotional group, Ezekiel Adamu, confirmed plans to stage AJ's first African fight in Nigeria in what will be a historic homecoming.

“I spoke with him, I spoke with his team, and they already said to me, ‘If we had an offer from Nigeria, it’s a match made in heaven,’” Adamu had said.

However, these plans are currently under threat by none other but Nigeria's West African rivals and cousins, Ghana.

Recent remarks from Hearn suggest that Ghana are currently under consideration to stage the historic bout in Africa.

“Well, I haven’t had a conversation with him. I’m sure he will have spoken to someone who knows AJ, but nothing with me.

“If they want to make an offer, then we are open to that, and my number is quite easy to get hold of. But as it stands, we have had no conversation with Nigeria, but what we have had is a site visit in Accra, Ghana, and they have made an offer. We are very interested in going there in the early part of 2026. I think it would be incredible, but we are open to Nigeria as well,” he added.

Hearn further added that other territories have made offers to also host AJ's next bout in the first quarter of 2026.

“Ghana is currently only one of three sites that have made offers. We may even fight in the UK. Obviously, we have opportunities to fight in the Middle East and the far east as well. But Joshua will definitely fight in Q1 of 2026.”

WDN