Dan Azeez, the British-Nigerian former Commonwealth champion, urged heavyweight star Anthony Joshua on Tuesday to bring a headline fight to Nigeria, calling such a bout “a massive opportunity” for the country and for boxing at large.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

LAGOS, Nigeria — Dan Azeez, who recently fought and won on a Lagos card, said he hopes Anthony Joshua will accept offers to stage a fight in Nigeria early next year and that the match would be historic for Nigerian sport. Azeez made the comments in interviews after the “Chaos in the Ring” show in Lagos, where he returned to the country of his family roots to fight before a home crowd.

“This is for my heritage and my people,” Azeez told reporters. “If Joshua comes here it will be massive — for the fans, for the country and for African boxing. I would love to see it.” The ex-champion, who has a growing profile on both sides of the Atlantic, said staging big fights in Nigeria would help develop local talent and draw international attention.

Promoters and officials have said discussions are under way to bring a major heavyweight to Nigeria, and Anthony Joshua’s name has been linked repeatedly to plans for an Africa show that could take place in early 2026. Organisers have pointed to government backing and commercial interest, and Nigeria’s recent Lagos card — promoted in part by Amir Khan’s team — has been held up as proof the country can host big boxing nights.

Azeez’s suggestion follows growing talk among promoters and fans about staging top-level bouts on the African continent. Supporters say the move would reconnect boxers of African descent to the region and create new markets. Critics, however, say staging a fight with global stars requires heavy logistics, strong security, guaranteed ticket sales and clear medical and regulatory standards. Organisers will need to satisfy international boxing bodies and broadcast partners before a deal can be finalised.

Anthony Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion whose family has Nigerian roots, has been linked to possible comeback fights and has spoken in the past about his interest in fighting in Africa. Joshua has not publicly confirmed a Nigeria date, and his camp has been weighing several opponent options and timing for a return to the ring.

If a fight is arranged, experts say it could boost local boxing infrastructure and inspire a new generation of Nigerian fighters. Dan Azeez — who said he boxed in Lagos to honour his ancestry and to help build the sport locally — described the atmosphere at the recent show as electric and urged promoters to build on the momentum. “We showed the world we can do it here,” he said.

For now, plans remain preliminary. Promoters and government officials have not announced a signed agreement with Joshua, and matchmakers will still need to agree on venue, purse, opponent and broadcast deals. Boxing fans in Nigeria and the diaspora, however, are already imagining the day a landmark heavyweight fight is held on home soil.