Work continues over the eagerly awaited fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, but Balmoral Promotions' Ezekiel Adamu has set his sights on an even more ambitious project: bringing Joshua to Nigeria to face fellow British heavyweight Moses Itauma in 2027. The proposal, which Adamu describes as a "hell of a blockbuster fight," would mark a historic moment for African boxing and could potentially be broadcast on global platforms like Netflix.

The Fury-Joshua Roadblock

Long-standing rivals Fury and Joshua are finally set to share the ring towards the end of this year at Wembley Stadium if an agreement can be reached over a start time in London. Organiser Turki Alalshikh has insisted the fight must begin at 2 a.m. to suit the United States audience, a demand that has complicated negotiations. While those discussions continue, Adamu is quietly building his own plans for Nigeria's boxing scene.

Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage through his parents, looked set to fight in Nigeria earlier this year before a tragic turn of events. In December 2024, he was involved in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends, Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The incident deeply affected Joshua and shelved any immediate plans for a homecoming fight. However, Adamu remains confident that the former world heavyweight champion will one day fight in the country of his ancestors.

Building Momentum in Lagos

Balmoral Promotions has been steadily building a presence in Lagos, having already staged successful events in 2025. The next major show is scheduled for July 31 in the commercial capital. Adamu recently brought Chris Eubank Jr to Nigeria with the ambition of him headlining a card in December 2025. These events are part of a broader strategy to establish Africa as "the next home of combat sports," according to Adamu.

"I mean we made an offer for him to fight some time last year, but it hasn't happened yet. I am 100 per cent certain at some point we will have Joshua fight here in Nigeria," Adamu told the Press Association. "For us, I've always said it is never about perfection, it is always about momentum. So, we keep going and hopefully get Chris to fight here in December and we'll push on from there. We also have DAZN which is our broadcaster so things are falling in the right places."

The Itauma Connection

The proposed clash with Moses Itauma adds a fascinating subplot. Itauma, a rising star in the heavyweight division, has a Nigerian father and visited the country in 2025. He has expressed a keen interest in fighting on African soil. Adamu revealed that he has already spoken with Itauma's promoter, Frank Warren, about the possibility. "I had a meeting with Frank Warren as well and we spoke about it happening. He said, 'yes, it will happen at some point,' and hopefully next year or some time. Moses is also keen to fight here," Adamu said.

Itauma, still in the early stages of his professional career, has shown tremendous promise with knockout power and impressive footwork. A fight against Joshua would be a massive step up in competition, but it would also provide a huge platform for the young boxer to showcase his skills on an international stage. For Joshua, it would be an opportunity to connect with his roots and give back to Nigerian fans who have long supported him.

Government and Corporate Support

Adamu emphasized that the Nigerian government and powerful corporate brands are backing the initiative. "The government is supporting what we're doing and we've got some big, powerful brands here. The broadcasters are keen to have these type of things happen. We're speaking with DAZN and looking to build Africa as the next home of combat sports," he added. This level of institutional support is crucial for staging a major international boxing event in Nigeria, which has historically struggled with infrastructure and security concerns.

Joshua's Nigerian Heritage and Career

Anthony Joshua was born in Watford, England, but his Nigerian roots run deep. His mother is of Nigerian descent, and his father is of Nigerian and Irish ancestry. Joshua has often spoken about his pride in his heritage and has visited Nigeria multiple times. His boxing career began after a late start—he only took up the sport at age 18—but quickly rose through the amateur ranks, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2012. As a professional, he captured the IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.

However, his career has seen fluctuations. After losing his unified titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, he regained them in a rematch. Subsequent losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 set back his plans for undisputed glory. A victory over Robert Helenius in 2023 and a stoppage of Francis Ngannou in 2024 revived his momentum, setting the stage for the long-awaited Fury fight. A win there could lead to even bigger fights, including the proposed Nigeria bout.

Itauma's Rapid Rise

Moses Itauma, born in 2004, is one of the youngest prospects in the heavyweight division. He turned professional in 2023 and has already amassed a series of quick knockouts, drawing comparisons to a young Mike Tyson for his explosive style. His father, who hails from Nigeria, has been a strong influence, and Itauma has expressed a desire to fight in Africa as a tribute to his family's heritage. At just 21 years old, he would be a significant underdog against the experienced Joshua, but his youth and hunger make him a dangerous opponent.

The Challenges of Hosting in Nigeria

Despite the enthusiasm, staging a major heavyweight fight in Nigeria presents considerable logistical hurdles. Security, venue infrastructure, and international broadcasting arrangements must be addressed. However, Adamu's track record with Balmoral Promotions—including successful events in Lagos—suggests that the groundwork is being laid. The involvement of DAZN as a broadcast partner provides a global platform, while the backing of the Nigerian government could help smooth regulatory issues.

If the fight materializes, it would be the biggest boxing event ever held in West Africa. Nigeria has produced several world-class boxers, including Dick Tiger, Samuel Peter, and Anthony Joshua himself (though he represents Britain). Bringing a star of Joshua's caliber back to the continent would inspire a new generation of boxers and fans across Africa.

Timeline and Expectations

Adamu hopes to finalize the Itauma fight for 2027, after Joshua's anticipated bout with Fury. The timeline allows for Joshua to either cement his legacy with a win or rebound from a potential loss. For Itauma, the extra time will let him gain more experience and climb the rankings. Meanwhile, December 2025 could see Chris Eubank Jr headline in Lagos, serving as a test run for the larger event two years later.

The boxing world will be watching closely. If Adamu succeeds, it could transform not only the careers of Joshua and Itauma but also the entire landscape of combat sports in Africa. As he said, "Putting on an AJ v Moses fight here would be unreal to be honest with you and a major blockbuster." For fans, the prospect of seeing two British-Nigerian heavyweights battle in Lagos is an electrifying vision that may soon become reality.

As the Fury-Joshua negotiations continue, the behind-the-scenes work in Nigeria quietly gathers pace. With momentum on their side, Adamu and Balmoral Promotions are positioning Africa as a serious contender to host global boxing events. The dream of a Joshua-Itauma showdown in Nigeria is no longer a distant fantasy—it is a carefully orchestrated plan that could reshape the sport.

Source: MSN News