Boxer Bakole challenges Anthony Joshua to a fight in Nigeria: details.

Fights in Nigeria: The Return of Heavyweight Boxing

According to The Sun: Anthony Joshua has received an invitation to the fight 'Rumble in the Jungle II' in Nigeria. The title of the bout recalls the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali, who defeated George Foreman in 1974 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then known as Zaire.

It is estimated that around ONE BILLION viewers watched this bout, which is considered one of the most significant in boxing history. However, heavyweight boxing hasn't returned to Africa on this scale for a long time.

Recent tournaments have taken place in Ghana and Nigeria – countries from which Joshua's parents hail. Promoter Doctor Ezekiel Adamu, who organized a show with Amir Khan in Lagos, expressed his desire to invite Joshua to fight in Nigeria.

Marriin Bakole from Congo, who previously trained with Joshua, is ready to become his opponent. In his interview with Sky Sports, Bakole said:

“I would accept this fight with Anthony Joshua in the blink of an eye. We are both African boxers, and right now we are witnessing boxing returning to Africa. Anthony Joshua does not want to fight me. He knows what happened in sparring. If we step into the ring, I will knock him out. No doubt about it.”

He also added:

“I will even knock him out in Nigeria, in front of his own audience. This is a fight that needs to be organized. And we should do it in Africa. This will be 'Rumble in the Jungle II.'”

Adamu stated that he is already negotiating with Joshua's team to hold the fight in Nigeria. He noted:

“We had preliminary talks and will continue. We are looking at the first quarter of next year. Everyone knows that Joshua has always wanted to fight in Africa before the end of his career, and we believe that Nigeria has the best story.”

Nigeria is the largest country in Africa with a population of around 250 million people and the economic center of the continent.

Joshua, who is 35 years old, is still recovering from a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. After elbow surgery in the summer, his promoter Eddie Hearn stated that Joshua plans to return to training. They hope to conduct a rematch before considering a super fight with Tyson Fury next year.