British-Nigerian heavyweight Anthony Joshua is being lined up to fight in Ghana on December 20, as part of a Matchroom Boxing event scheduled for the Legon Sports Stadium, according to BoxingScene.
Sources suggest Joshua is among the names being considered for the card, though any official confirmation about his next move will likely come directly from the former unified world champion himself.
The show will be headlined by an exciting light-heavyweight clash between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez, with Indian boxing sensation Nishant Dev and rising heavyweight Leo Atang also set to feature.
Joshua, who has long expressed his desire to fight on African soil, may finally see that wish come true. Promoter Eddie Hearn has reportedly received numerous inquiries about Joshua’s return to the ring.
Speaking recently to Boxing Social, Hearn said:
“Possibly. 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 planned. This is about development and staying active.”
He added that if Joshua does fight this year, it will not be as the main event:
“We want to work almost in silence, improve, and get him in the mode of being 100 per cent ready. This is about growth and preparation for the big one.”
The development comes as Ghana recently lifted its temporary ban on professional boxing, which had been imposed after two in-ring fatalities. The Ghana Boxing Federation’s interim management committee and its medical sub-committee have since introduced upgraded medical and safety protocols in collaboration with the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
While it remains unclear whether Joshua will participate as a fighter or simply as a co-promoter, Hearn remains focused on getting him back to peak form.
“We’re going to get him in prime condition for the big one, and that’s all that matters,” Hearn said.
When asked what “the big one” referred to, Hearn simply replied:
“Tyson Fury.”
Joshua last fought in September 2024, suffering a fifth-round stoppage defeat to then IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
