Joshua and Itauma Set for Big Fight in Nigeria

Nigerian promoter Ezekiel Adamu has announced plans to organize a big fight between Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma in Nigeria next year. This will happen after Joshua's fight with Tyson Fury is settled, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Adamu, who leads Balmoral Promotions, said he has talked with Chris Eubank Jnr about the chance of him headlining a fight card in Nigeria this December. He mentioned that Joshua and Itauma are long-term goals for boxing in Nigeria.

Joshua had earlier received offers to fight in Nigeria before he was involved in a car accident near Lagos last December. The accident sadly took the lives of two of his close friends. Adamu also said he has spoken with Frank Warren after Itauma, who shares Nigerian roots with Joshua, visited Nigeria last year.

"We made an offer for him (Joshua) to fight some time last year, but it has not happened yet," Adamu told PA.

"I am 100 per cent certain at some point we will have Joshua fight here in Nigeria. For us, I have 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 will push on from there. We also have DAZN, which is our broadcaster, so things are falling in the right places."

Adamu expressed that he is hopeful after his conversation with Warren about making an Itauma fight in Nigeria a reality soon.

"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. Moses knows his roots, and he would like to fight here. Putting on an AJ v Moses fight here would be unreal, to be honest with you, and a major blockbuster."

"That would be a hell of a blockbuster fight and probably a Netflix kind of fight, but yeah, it would be great to have that type of fight here. The government is supporting what we are doing, and we have got some big, powerful brands here. We are speaking with DAZN and looking to build Africa as the next home of combat sports."

Adamu worked with Queensberry Promotions last year to host fights for Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka in Lagos. Balmoral Promotions is set to hold its next show on July 31, featuring former world title challenger Liam Williams on the undercard.