Full Breakdown
Anthony Joshua's Potential Return to Boxing in Ghana
10/22/2025, 12:36:18 AM
Upcoming Boxing Event in Ghana
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Matchroom Boxing, has announced a boxing event scheduled for December 20, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. This marks Matchroom's inaugural show in West Africa, with British light heavyweights Craig Richards and Dan Azeez rumored to headline the card. Hearn indicated that this event serves as a "precursor" for a potential fight featuring Anthony Joshua in February 2025. Joshua has not fought since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, where he suffered a fifth-round knockout. His absence from the ring has been attributed to recovery from elbow surgery.
Safety Concerns in Ghanaian Boxing
Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming event, there are significant safety concerns in Ghana's boxing community. The sport is currently suspended following the deaths of two boxers within six months. Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju died after collapsing during a match in March, and Ernest Akushey passed away following a knockout loss in September. In light of these incidents, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) is considering new safety reforms, which are expected to be finalized before the December event.
Anthony Joshua's Future Plans
Joshua's team is exploring options for his return, with Ghana and Nigeria as potential venues. Kingsley Ibeh, a fighter with an 11-fight winning streak, has expressed interest in facing Joshua, emphasizing the significance of such a bout for African boxing. Ibeh stated, “There’d be no better one than AJ,” highlighting the opportunity to make a statement in the sport. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also mentioned the possibility of Joshua participating in a less pressured undercard bout to ease him back into competition.
Criticism and Opposition
While the plans for Joshua's return are being discussed, there are concerns regarding the safety of boxing in Ghana. The GBA's previous determination that Akushey was "unfit" to compete raises questions about the regulatory oversight in the sport. Critics argue that without stringent safety measures, the risk to fighters remains high.
Official Statements and Responses
Eddie Hearn has reiterated the importance of the December event as a step towards Joshua's potential fight in Ghana. He stated, “This will not be an AJ show, but it’s still going to be a good show,” emphasizing the need to assess the local boxing landscape. Meanwhile, the GBA is expected to finalize safety reforms before the December event, aiming to lift the current suspension of boxing in the country.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need the right platform and the right opponent to make a statement with and there'd be no better one than AJ.” — Kingsley Ibeh, Boxer
- “Obviously, this will not be an AJ show, but it’s still going to be a good show.” — Eddie Hearn, Promoter
What's Next
As the December event approaches, the GBA's safety reforms will be closely monitored. Should the event proceed successfully, Matchroom plans to return to Accra in February 2025, potentially featuring Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated match.
