Adamu believes a fight between the two British heavyweights, who both have Nigerian heritage, would carry enormous significance because of their roots, their global profiles and Nigeria’s growing appetite for major sporting events.
The promoter said such a bout would not only attract huge attention in Africa but also generate worldwide interest, potentially creating a landmark moment for boxing on the continent.
Joshua and Itauma currently have different career paths. Two-time world champion Joshua is preparing for his return against Kristian Prenga later this month, with a highly anticipated all-British showdown against Tyson Fury expected to follow.
Meanwhile, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Itauma is continuing his rapid rise and is scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29.
However, Adamu believes a future meeting between the two could become a historic event if staged in Nigeria.
“It's a global fight. We'll get some huge numbers when it comes to viewership,” Adamu told Sky Sports.
Highlighting Africa’s huge population and youthful demographic, he said the continent provides a unique audience base capable of turning the fight into a worldwide spectacle.
“When you think about Africa as a whole, we have about 1.4 billion people in Africa. And then 70 to 75 per cent of that population between the ages of 15 to 30 or thereabouts. Having those eyeballs on it as well too is major.”
Adamu added that the Nigerian heritage shared by both fighters would make the contest even more meaningful.
“And then both of them are global stars. So it's a perfect story in Africa, where they come from, from their roots.”
He believes the symbolism of two Nigerian-born heavyweights competing at home could rival the historic significance of Ali’s 1974 fight against George Foreman in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It's one fight that will actually top the Rumble in the Jungle we've been talking about for about 50 years.”
“So I'd like to make that fight happen here.”
Joshua’s final career chapter and Itauma’s rise
Joshua remains one of the biggest names in world boxing, having won world titles twice and becoming one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.
The 35-year-old is currently focused on extending his career legacy and has expressed his ambition to become undisputed heavyweight champion before retirement.
Itauma, meanwhile, has emerged as one of boxing’s most exciting young talents. The undefeated heavyweight has won all 14 of his professional fights and is widely regarded as a future world title contender.
Despite their contrasting stages of development, Adamu believes Joshua’s ambition and competitive spirit could make a fight against Itauma possible.
“AJ has made it clear he wants to become undisputed again, so he's going to go on and keep fighting after this fight with Fury.”
“He's got the appetite to keep fighting.”
The promoter said one of his biggest ambitions is to bring Joshua back to Nigeria for a major homecoming event before the former champion ends his career.
“We are also looking at bringing big fights here to Nigeria as well. So the one wish I would have at some point before his career ends, would be to have AJ vs Moses Itauma here in Nigeria.”
“Both Nigerians on Nigerian soil, that would really be a blockbuster fight.”
Nigeria’s boxing market showing huge potential
Adamu, who has organised several boxing events in Nigeria, said the response from fans demonstrates the country’s readiness to host major international fights.
He revealed that previous events attracted overwhelming interest, suggesting that a Joshua-Itauma contest could generate unprecedented demand.
“Listen, the last show we did in May, we had a 5,000-seat arena and we could have filled it over 10 times. The crowd waiting to get in outside was mental.”
According to him, the event also generated significant digital engagement.
“We had almost about two billion views across all social platforms. We had about four billion impressions.”
The promoter believes Nigeria’s large youth population, combined with the growing connection between sports and entertainment, provides the foundation for boxing’s expansion.
“Africa - and Nigeria especially which has got a population of about 250 million people - most of that demography is a youthful demography.”
“So if you use boxing and entertainment together, it's what we've seen that's really growing big time here.”
He added that government support and corporate interest could further accelerate the growth of boxing in Nigeria.
“The government are involved in it. All the editions we've had, the government have been involved in it.”
“We've also got some super brands here as well too.”
For Adamu, a Joshua versus Itauma showdown in Nigeria represents more than just a boxing match—it could become a defining sporting event that showcases Africa’s influence on the global stage.
“It's a time bomb waiting to explode to be honest with you.”
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) July 7, 2026
