Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer Kingsley Ibeh has declared his readiness to face Anthony Joshua, insisting he would “definitely” knock out the former world champion if the long-rumoured fight in Nigeria becomes a reality.
Gatekeepers News reports that speculation has grown that Joshua could stage a comeback bout in Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana among the possible venues. Joshua, who has Nigerian roots, has previously spoken about his desire to fight on African soil.
Ibeh, also of Nigerian heritage and now based in Arizona, USA, believes he is the perfect opponent for that occasion.
“We need the right platform and the right opponent to make a statement with, and there’d be no better one than AJ,” Ibeh told Sky Sports.
“That would definitely be a dream come true. That would be amazing.”
The 31-year-old fighter boasts a record of 16 wins, two losses and one draw, with 14 victories by knockout. Since suffering defeat to top prospect Jared Anderson in 2021, Ibeh has been on an impressive 11-fight winning streak, including a third-round knockout of former world title challenger Gerald Washington.
Confident of his power, Ibeh said he would stop Joshua “no questions about that.”
“It doesn’t matter where it is, I’m ready — anywhere. I would love to dance with him in the O2 Arena. I would definitely stop him; it’s just a matter of how soon or how quickly it goes,” he said.
A cousin of former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi, Ibeh’s entry into boxing was accidental. He revealed that he first stepped into a gym while trying to sell life insurance to a trainer.
“The trainer said, ‘If you want to talk to me and earn my time, you’ve got to get in the ring and spar with one of my guys.’ I never back down from a fight,” Ibeh recalled. “I took my shirt off, put headgear on, and I end up knocking him out.”
Ibeh, who initially played American football, said he respects Joshua but is eager to test himself against the former two-time world champion.
“I like AJ — he’s been my idol,” he said. “But I have mean intentions. For the sport, I’d love to give him the work and the challenge he’s looking for.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that the British-Nigerian heavyweight could return to the ring before the end of 2025, or early in 2026.
“If he fights this year, that will be a pure run-out — it won’t be a top 15 guy,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “He’s either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury, if that can be made, or have one fight in February. We haven’t really decided yet, but he’s keen to get active.”
