Promoter Ezekiel Adamu is working to stage a heavyweight clash between former champion Anthony Joshua and rising prospect Moses Itauma in Nigeria. Adamu, the chief of Balmoral Promotions, confirmed that both heavyweight fighters have shown interest in competing in the West African nation, which serves as the ancestral home for both men.
The ambitious project has already seen preliminary discussions take place between Ezekiel Adamu and Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. While an offer was reportedly made for Anthony Joshua to compete in Nigeria last year, the bout did not materialise following a tragic car accident in December outside Lagos that resulted in the deaths of two of the boxer’s close friends.
Ezekiel Adamu outlines the vision for Nigerian blockbuster
Despite previous setbacks, Ezekiel Adamu remains confident that the 36-year-old Anthony Joshua will eventually headline a major event in the country. “I am 100 per cent certain at some point we will have Joshua fight here in Nigeria,” Adamu told the Press Association (PA), citing continued momentum for the region’s boxing scene.
This commitment highlights a strategic vision to position Nigeria as a prime location for high-stakes boxing. Ezekiel Adamu’s persistent efforts suggest a belief in the commercial viability and local enthusiasm for such a monumental event. But bringing such a fight to fruition demands significant logistical and financial backing.
The proposal to bring Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma together in the ring is viewed as a “blockbuster” event by local organisers. Ezekiel Adamu suggested the fight carries such high profile that it could attract interest from major streaming platforms like Netflix. The Nigerian government is reportedly supporting the initiative to establish Africa as a key destination for combat sports.
And that government backing is crucial for drawing in major fighters and promoters. Their support would likely streamline permits, security, and infrastructure, all vital components for a successful international boxing event. This signals a broader national agenda to elevate Nigeria’s profile in global sports.
Itauma’s personal connection to Nigeria fuels interest
Moses Itauma, who is currently 21 years old, has already visited Nigeria to explore his heritage after Frank Warren held talks with Ezekiel Adamu about the logistics of a homecoming. The young heavyweight is reportedly keen to fight in Nigeria, understanding the significance of his roots. Such a bout would signify a major moment for the sport in West Africa.
Itauma’s personal connection adds a compelling narrative to the potential fight beyond just the sporting aspect. For a young, undefeated fighter, a homecoming bout offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a passionate fanbase and bolster his personal brand. It also presents a unique challenge, fighting in a new environment with immense local expectations.
His promoter, Frank Warren, has a history of developing young talent and seeing the bigger picture. His agreement to discuss Itauma fighting in Nigeria underscores the seriousness of Adamu’s proposals. Warren understands the potential for Moses Itauma to become a national hero, much like Anthony Joshua has done in the UK.
The division’s current focus remains on the looming battle between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, which is pencilled in for late 2026. Ezekiel Adamu believes he can tempt both Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma into the ring following that major domestic showdown, as both men look to define their legacies.
Broadcasting and infrastructure roles in Lagos
Ensuring the financial and technical success of such a massive event requires strong broadcasting partners. Ezekiel Adamu identified DAZN as a key ally in this process. The platform is already the broadcaster for Balmoral Promotions and has expressed interest in developing the African market for elite boxing events.
DAZN’s involvement is a game-changer for African boxing. Their reach and financial clout can transform local events into global spectacles, attracting international viewership and sponsorship. It positions Nigeria not just as a host, but as a significant player in the global boxing broadcast landscape, competing with established markets.
This partnership follows successful shows in Lagos featuring other high-profile boxers. Last year, Ezekiel Adamu worked with Queensberry Promotions to host fights for Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka. These events served as a proof of concept for the infrastructure required to host international heavyweight stars in Nigeria’s largest city.
And these prior successes are critical for building confidence among potential investors and fighters. The experience gained from hosting events with fighters like Okolie and Yoka proves that Nigeria has the capability to handle high-profile boxing. This track record helps de-risk future, even larger, ventures.
Furthermore, Balmoral Promotions is continuing its active schedule to maintain interest in the sport locally. Their next show is set for July 31, with former world title challenger Liam Williams scheduled to appear on the undercard. This regular activity is designed to build the “momentum” that Ezekiel Adamu believes is essential for a Joshua-level event.
The future of heavyweight boxing in Africa
For Anthony Joshua, fighting in Nigeria would be a cultural milestone. He has long embraced his heritage, and Ezekiel Adamu believes the fighter’s interest remains steadfast despite past difficulties. Adamu acknowledged that an earlier offer for Joshua to fight in Nigeria last year did not materialize following a tragic car accident in December outside Lagos, which killed two of Joshua’s close friends.
This tragedy undoubtedly impacted Joshua and put any Nigerian fight plans on hold. The sensitivity surrounding such an event means any future discussions would need to be handled with care and respect. But the enduring desire for Joshua to fight in his ancestral homeland remains a powerful motivator.
The promoter is also looking at other immediate targets, including Chris Eubank Jr, who was recently invited to Nigeria to discuss a potential December headline slot. Securing a fighter of Eubank Jr’s calibre would further solidify Nigeria’s position as a viable host for significant boxing events. It demonstrates Adamu’s strategy of building credibility through incremental successes.
The heavyweight landscape is currently complicated by various negotiations and mandatories. While the world waits for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua date to be finalised, prospects like Moses Itauma continue to rise. Under Frank Warren’s guidance, Moses Itauma is being moved toward title contention, making a future clash with Anthony Joshua a high-stakes encounter.
Strategic timing and global impact
The proposed fight between Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma in Nigeria hinges largely on the outcomes of other major bouts, particularly Joshua’s impending contest with Tyson Fury. That fight, scheduled for late 2026, will significantly shape the heavyweight division and both fighters’ career trajectories. Adamu’s plan to stage the Nigeria bout *after* the Fury fight is a calculated strategic move.
It allows for the dust to settle on one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups, and it gives Moses Itauma more time to develop his already impressive professional record. A win against Fury would elevate Joshua’s status even further, making a Nigeria homecoming even more monumental. Conversely, a loss would provide a redemption arc, perhaps amplifying the emotional stakes of an African fight.
This event wouldn’t just be about two boxers. It’s about leveraging Nigeria’s cultural connection to the sport and the global appeal of its boxing stars. The Nigerian government’s support, coupled with the involvement of major broadcasters like DAZN, suggests a concerted effort to establish Africa as “the next home of combat sports.” This ambition has profound implications for the sport’s geographical centre of gravity.
If the Joshua vs Itauma fight comes to fruition next year or later, it would represent a historic shift in where major heavyweight bouts are staged. Having the backing of “big, powerful brands” in Nigeria and the support of the national government puts the country in a position to compete with traditional boxing hubs in the United Kingdom or the Middle East. It’s a bold vision, but one that Balmoral Promotions and its partners seem determined to pursue, potentially reshaping the future of heavyweight boxing.
