Joshua vs Itauma: Nigeria fight tops Rumble in the Jungle
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- Dr Ezekiel Adamu told Sky Sports that an Anthony Joshua vs Moses Itauma fight in Nigeria would top Muhammad Ali's 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' with George Foreman, citing Africa's 1.4 billion population and a youthful demographic of 70-75% aged 15-30 as drivers of massive viewership.
- Anthony Joshua is preparing to face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia later this month, with an all-British showdown against Tyson Fury expected next as the two-time world champion enters the final chapter of his career.
- Moses Itauma, unbeaten in 14 straight fights, is set to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at The O2 in London as he blazes a trail towards a world title.
- Adamu has staged multiple boxing events in Nigeria and reported his May show — a 5,000-seat arena — could have filled 10 times over, with 2 billion views and 4 billion impressions across social platforms.
- Both Joshua and Itauma have Nigerian heritage, and Adamu said staging 'both Nigerians on Nigerian soil' would be a blockbuster, with the Nigerian government already involved in past editions and major brands backing events.
- Adamu believes Joshua would keep fighting beyond a Fury bout, making an eventual Itauma clash possible before AJ's career ends.
Why it matters: Adamu is pitching a fight that would tap into Africa's 1.4 billion population and Nigeria's 250 million-strong market, where the government and major brands already back events. He cited 2 billion social views and 4 billion impressions from his May 5,000-seat show as proof that demand and infrastructure are already in place.
