Nigerian-born heavyweight contender Kingsley Ibeh has issued a direct challenge to Anthony Joshua, pushing for a potential fight in Nigeria and vowing to knock out the former world champion.
With growing speculation that Anthony Joshua could make a comeback fight in Africa, with Ghana and Nigeria reportedly among the potential venues, Ibeh says he is the perfect opponent to give fans a thrilling all-Nigerian clash on home soil.
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“I’m the right man to face AJ, and there’d be no better place than Nigeria,” Ibeh told Sky Sports.
“That would be a dream come true; amazing for me, amazing for Africa. But it doesn’t matter where it is, I’m ready. Even if it’s in the UK, I’d love to dance with him at the O2 Arena.
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“I would definitely stop him, no questions about that, it’s just a matter of how soon it happens.”
Ibeh boasts a 16-2-1 record with 14 knockouts and is currently on an 11-fight winning streak since losing to top prospect Jared Anderson in 2021. His most recent victory came with an emphatic third-round knockout of former world title challenger Gerald Washington.
Joshua, meanwhile, has been inactive since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024, and his team has reportedly received offers to stage a return fight in Africa.
While names like Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba have been linked, Ibeh believes he deserves the opportunity to face his countryman in what would be a historic showdown in Nigeria.
“I’m just excited to see what the future holds,” Ibeh added. “I haven’t even shown what we’ve been working on. Give me the platform, and I’ll make a statement, starting with AJ.”
