Nigerian-born heavyweight contender Kingsley Ibeh has expressed strong interest in facing former world champion Anthony Joshua in a potential bout on Nigerian soil, declaring himself the perfect opponent for the British-Nigerian star’s long-anticipated return to Africa.
Reports indicate that Anthony Joshua, who has repeatedly spoken about staging a fight in Africa, could make his comeback in either Nigeria or Ghana.
The prospect has sparked excitement among boxing fans across the continent, and Ibeh is eager to be the man standing opposite Joshua when that moment comes.
Currently based in Arizona, USA, Ibeh boasts a professional record of 16 wins, two losses, and one draw, with 14 of those victories coming by knockout.
Since suffering a defeat to rising star Jared Anderson in 2021, the 30-year-old has been on a dominant streak, notching 11 consecutive wins, including a third-round knockout of former world title challenger Gerald Washington in his last outing.
Ibeh, a cousin of former heavyweight sensation Ike Ibeabuchi, started his athletic career in American football before transitioning to boxing under unusual circumstances.
He once visited a boxing gym to sell life insurance and was challenged by a trainer to step into the ring. His unexpected performance that day—knocking out a sparring partner—marked the beginning of his journey in the sport.
The Arizona-based fighter, who has long admired Joshua, insists he is ready to face him anywhere—whether in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere—but believes a showdown in their shared homeland would be a historic moment for African boxing.
While Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has hinted that the former champion could return to the ring before the end of 2025 or early 2026, no opponent has been confirmed. Hearn noted that if Joshua fights this year, it would likely be a tune-up bout ahead of a bigger clash next year.
As Joshua considers his next move, Ibeh remains confident and determined to seize the opportunity, promising to give the two-time world champion “the challenge he’s looking for” if the fight is staged in Nigeria.
