Anthony Joshua says he would love to defend his heavyweight titles in Nigeria after defeating Andy Ruiz in their rematch in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Joshua recovered from a devastating upset in his first fight against the Ruiz to reclaim the belts via a wide unanimous decision.
The IBF, WBO and WBA champion who is of Nigerian heritage, visited the country between the two fights and is keen to bring the first world heavyweight title fight to the continent since the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, has received numerous offers to stage his wards next fight.
However, with the Briton likely to be forced to face his mandatory challenger with the IBF, Kubrat Pulev, a London homecoming fight remains a more immediate probability.
“People had been telling me I should go back for ages. It was crazy because they don’t have 24-hour electricity but they still know me and support me,” Joshua said.
“I went to the ghettos of the ghettos where it’s not all about egos and beef, it’s about people who are hungry to survive.
“It was one of the best things I’ve done. Africa’s rooting for me for sure, so I would definitely love to fight out there.”
Joshua’s parents are both of Nigerian descent and he actually attempted to represent the country at the 2008 Olympics.
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COMMENTS
AJ is welcome to defend his title in Naija. It’s his home . I would love it that Wilder who’s so arrogant do come to Naija .
Just fix the date Man dem. And we gonna entourage that venue n if no more seats available, we gonna sit on drones lol,to catch a glimpse of the best heavyweight outta there. Proud of you man.
A patriot paw excellence. I hope our neophyte footballers who, on a role reversal want the elders to prostrate before them are listening.
Even if you face two heavy weight challengers in one ring at the same time, you will win as long as the fight is in Nigeria.
Come home son.