Eddie Hearn hints Anthony Joshua set for ‘incredible’ fight in Africa on 50th anniversary of Rumble in the Jungle
EDDIE HEARN has once again claimed Anthony Joshua is in talks for a shock fight in Africa.
The 34-year-old London 2012 legend, with the Nigerian home of his parents tattooed proudly on his giant shoulder, has just signed up to back-to-back Saudi Arabia showdowns.
The Middle East mega-money has even floored the old hot spots of London, Las Vegas and New York.
But AJ promoter Hearn reckons – not for the first fruitless time – that big-time boxing could return to continent.
The Matchroom boss told the BBC: “It’s something that would be iconic for the sport.
“When we’re visiting these countries, there’s government funding to stage these events.
“Sometimes that isn’t forthcoming in all areas but there have been discussions and I think it will happen in time.
“We’ve had a couple of approaches. Obviously, Anthony Joshua – with his Nigerian descent – is always keen to visit and stage a major event there.”
In 1974 Muhammad Ali beat George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle.
That unforgettable show – held in Zaire, now known as the Congo – was bankrolled by tyrant president Mobutu Sese Seko who embezzled billions from his people.
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And Hearn hopes to celebrate the upcoming 50th birthday with an unlikely return.
He said: “With that anniversary approaching, we’ve often talked about a big Anthony Joshua fight – even revisiting the famous scenes in Zaire of the Rumble in the Jungle.
“Visually, it would be incredible and something Anthony would love to tick off the box before the end of his career.”