Anthony Joshua could be set to step into the ring in Ghana later this year, with December 20 being discussed as a possible date for a major boxing event organized by Matchroom Boxing at the Legon Sports Stadium.
According to BoxingScene, the British-Nigerian heavyweight is among those being lined up to feature on the card, though an official confirmation will only come from Joshua himself.
The Accra event will be headlined by an exciting light-heavyweight showdown between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez. Rising Indian boxer Nishant Dev and promising heavyweight Leo Atang are also expected to be part of the lineup.
Joshua has often spoken about his desire to fight on African soil, and promoter Eddie Hearn has reportedly received countless messages from fans urging for the two-time world champion to make that dream a reality.
When asked recently by Boxing Social about Joshua’s possible return to the ring, Hearn hinted that the 34-year-old could still fight before the end of the year. “Possibly,” he said. “There will be no big-name fight this year. It wouldn’t be a headline, it wouldn’t be a pay-per-view, you don’t have to moan about it, it can just be part of something that’s already existed and on sale – so there would be no one moaning. It’s just part of the development of getting into position of being 100 per cent ready for the big gamble.”
Hearn explained that any upcoming fight would be more of a tune-up than a blockbuster, stressing the importance of keeping Joshua active and improving. “If he fights this year, he won’t headline. We want to work almost in silence and improve, and get into the mode of being 100 per cent ready. This is about development and a bit of activity.”
Meanwhile, Ghana recently lifted its temporary suspension on professional boxing after two ring-related deaths earlier this year. The Ghana Boxing Federation’s interim management committee, in collaboration with the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, submitted new medical and safety guidelines to ensure better protection for fighters.
It remains unclear whether Joshua will appear on the card as a competitor or in another role such as co-promoter. Still, Hearn made one thing clear during his chat with Boxing Social: “We’re going to get him in prime condition for the big one, and that’s all that matters.”
When pressed to clarify what “the big one” referred to, Hearn didn’t hesitate: “Tyson Fury.”
Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he suffered a fifth-round stoppage defeat to then IBF champion Daniel Dubois — a loss that halted his latest comeback effort. His potential return in Ghana could mark the first step on his road back to redemption and a long-awaited showdown with Fury.
