Amir Khan has revealed ambitious plans to bring a blockbuster heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder to Nigeria, following his warning to Joshua ahead of the Brit’s controversial fight with Jake Paul. The retired former world champion, now a promoter, believes Lagos in particularcould host one of the biggest events in boxing.
Khan is already promoting boxing shows in Nigeria, including a December 21 event in Lagos headlined by Lawrence Okolie vs. Ebenezer Tetteh. Speaking to SunSport, Khan said his promotional company has helped open the door for major boxing events on the continent and is ready to take things to another level by staging Joshua vs. Wilder in the same setting.
Joshua, whose parents were born in Nigeria, has previously vowed to fight in Africa before retiring, a goal Khan says he can help make a reality. Khan suggested that if Wilder is interested, discussions could move quickly, describing the fight as massive and envisioning it at Nigeria’s biggest stadium with top-level backing and national attention.
While the long-term vision focuses on Wilder, Joshua’s immediate task is his upcoming pro-sanctioned heavyweight bout against Jake Paul in Miami. The fight is scheduled for eight rounds, with 10oz gloves and a 245lb weigh-in limit for Joshua. Khan issued a clear warning, stressing the dangers of boxing and reminding that one mistake can have irreversible consequences.
Wilder, meanwhile, has not fought since his June comeback win against Tyrrell Herndon, while Joshua is looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Image Credit: Sky Sports