Nigerian-born heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh has publicly challenged former world champion Anthony Joshua to a fight.
Ibeh made the call after a three-round knockout of veteran Gerald Washington in September. The win extended his run to 11 straight victories since 2021.
“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 be definitely a dream come true. That would be amazing.”
Ibeh says he would take Joshua anywhere. “It doesn’t matter where it is, I’m ready. Anywhere. Even in Nigeria,” he added. He said he would also welcome the fight in the UK, and name-checked the O2 Arena. “I would definitely stop him, no questions about that,” he insisted.
The challenger is 31 and now based in Arizona. His pro record shows heavy hitting and restart resilience. Independent boxing sites note his recent KO of Washington and list him as a rising, if unproven, contender.
Joshua is a global draw and a complex opponent. He brings experience, punching power, and big-event pedigree. Matchmakers have floated Africa as a potential comeback platform for Joshua. Sports pages are already naming other heavyweights too.
Promoters will weigh many things. Ticket sales matter. Broadcast deals matter. Medical checks and timelines matter. And politics and national pride will play their part if the fight moves to Nigeria.
Ibeh’s call is bold. It mixes personal faith with national theatre. He wants a stage to announce himself to the world. He wants to do it on home soil. Boxing fans and promoters will now decide if the dream becomes real.
