Kingsley Ibeh challenges Anthony Joshua for Nigeria fight
Nigerian-born heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh has publicly challenged former unified world champion Anthony Joshua, declaring he would “definitely” knock Joshua out if the fight were staged in Nigeria. Ibeh made the call following his most recent run of victories and while Joshua’s team weighs up a potential comeback and the possibility of staging a high-profile fight on the African continent.
Ibeh, who trains in Arizona and has built momentum with a long winning streak, said he believes he is the ideal opponent should Joshua choose to return to the ring in Nigeria. The 31-year-old heavyweight has notched a series of stoppage wins in recent outings and has argued that top heavyweights have been reluctant to face him, adding confidence to his public challenge.
Speculation that Joshua might stage a comeback fight in Africa — with Nigeria and Ghana among the locations discussed — has given fresh life to calls from contenders keen for the spotlight. Promoters and pundits have suggested a return could take place later this year or early next, but no official offer or date has been confirmed publicly.
Boxing media outlets covering the exchange note that while Ibeh’s challenge raises local and regional interest, a fight with Joshua would require negotiations between promoters, broadcast partners and governing bodies, as well as agreement on purse, venue and timing. For now, the bout remains a public callout rather than a finalized deal, but the suggestion of staging a major heavyweight fight in Nigeria has already attracted attention across boxing circles.
If matchmakers decide to pursue the fight, logistics and Joshua’s comeback plans will determine whether Ibeh’s confident prediction becomes a headline bout or another contender’s talking point. Until then, Ibeh’s challenge stands as a bold invitation to one of the division’s best-known names and a reminder of the growing interest in staging world-class boxing events in Africa.
