Former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is being actively pursued for a historic comeback fight in Nigeria, igniting discussions of a "Rumble in the Jungle II." This proposed event, drawing parallels to Muhammad Ali's legendary 1974 victory over George Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), aims to bring elite heavyweight boxing back to Africa, a continent where Joshua's parents were born and which holds a massive, passionate fanbase.

Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, a promoter who successfully staged a major boxing event in Lagos with former world champion Amir Khan, is at the forefront of efforts to bring Joshua to Nigeria. Adamu highlighted Nigeria's compelling attributes as a host nation, including its population of approximately 250 million and its standing as Africa's economic capital. He believes Nigeria is "poised to make that happen" and demonstrate Africa's capability to host world-class boxing nights. Preliminary conversations with Joshua's camp are underway, with a target timeframe of the first quarter of 2026 for the anticipated bout, fulfilling Joshua's long-held ambition to fight on African soil before the end of his career.

Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, 32, a former sparring partner of Anthony Joshua, has vocally volunteered to be the opponent for this potential Nigerian showdown. Bakole told Sky Sports that he would "take the fight with Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat," emphasizing their shared African heritage and predicting a knockout victory over AJ. While Bakole presents a strong challenge, promoter Adamu confirmed that his camp is considering "a lot of options" for Joshua's comeback fight, aiming for an opponent that will generate global excitement and specifically electrify Nigeria.

Anthony Joshua, 35, has been out of the ring since September 2024, following a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in an IBF world title clash. After recovering from elbow surgery over the summer, his promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua is ready to return to training camp. Hearn is evaluating up to ten potential opponents for AJ's comeback bout, which he suggests could indeed take place in Africa. Joshua is reportedly in a "great place" and preparing physically for the rigorous demands of camp, with expectations that he will continue to work with coach Ben Davison, recognized for his exceptional coaching and research acumen.

Beyond the immediate comeback, Eddie Hearn revealed significant talks with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh about arranging the highly anticipated "Battle of Britain" between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Despite Fury's retirement in January—just a month after his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk—the eccentric "Gypsy King" has continuously teased a return to the ring. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed that the 37-year-old intends to fight again next year, stating, "He's told me categorically he wants to fight next year." Alalshikh is reportedly pushing hard for the Joshua-Fury super-fight, aiming for it to happen in 2026, recognizing it as "the biggest fight in boxing right now." Hearn's strategy involves securing a comeback bout for Joshua as soon as possible, leading directly into this colossal encounter with Fury.

The convergence of Joshua's aspiration to compete in Africa, Dr. Adamu's determined promotional efforts, Bakole's bold challenge, and the overarching goal of a Joshua-Fury super-fight creates an electrifying landscape for heavyweight boxing. Should the "Rumble in the Jungle II" materialize in Nigeria, it promises not only to fulfill a personal dream for Anthony Joshua but also to mark a historic and exhilarating return of premier boxing to the African continent.