What's Happening?
Kingsley Ibeh, a heavyweight contender born in Nigeria and now based in Arizona, has expressed his desire to fight Anthony Joshua in Nigeria. Ibeh, who has a record of 16-2-1 with 14 stoppage victories,
believes he is the perfect opponent for Joshua's potential comeback fight in Africa. Ibeh recently knocked out former world title challenger Gerald Washington and is on a winning streak since his loss to Jared Anderson in 2021. He is eager to face Joshua, stating that it would be a dream come true and he is confident in his ability to stop Joshua.
Why It's Important?
A fight between Kingsley Ibeh and Anthony Joshua in Nigeria would be significant for several reasons. It would highlight Nigeria's growing presence in the boxing world and provide a platform for African fighters to showcase their talents. Additionally, it would attract international attention and potentially boost local tourism and economy. For Ibeh, defeating Joshua would be a major career milestone, potentially elevating his status in the boxing community. For Joshua, a successful comeback fight is crucial to regain his standing in the heavyweight division.
What's Next?
While there is a possibility of Joshua fighting before the end of the year, his promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua is keen to get active, with potential fights lined up before a possible bout with Tyson Fury. The decision on whether Joshua will fight Ibeh in Nigeria or elsewhere remains to be seen, but the prospect of a high-profile fight in Africa is likely to generate significant interest and discussions among boxing promoters and fans.
