Sports

Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua wants new opponent for August 12

Published

3 years ago

June 23, 2023

249 Views

Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua is on the hunt for a new opponent for August 12 as he is keen to get into the ring before a proposed December bout against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.

According to Eddie Hearn, who promotes both heavyweights, the fight with Dillian Whyte is no longer possible after Whyte rejected the proposal sent to him.

“It’s not true (that Whyte asked for £10m),” Hearn told Boxing Social, addressing recent reports.

“It’s not true at all. We made him an offer, they made it clear it was nowhere near their expectations. Quite honestly there were very little negotiations after that. He never asked for £10m, I’m not sure where that came from, but it’s not the case.”

German boxer, Agit Kabayel has already been linked with Joshua and Hearn said, “He may be on a long list. I mean, anyone in the top 15.

“Look, I don’t mind being honest; Joshua is gonna fight Deontay Wilder in December, that’s 100 per cent our focus, so he needs a fight against someone who is going to allow him to work on – under the lights – everything he’s been working on with (coach) Derrick James.

“There’s no point fighting a fight against someone he’s going to take out in a round. It’s difficult to fight an elite, top-three or top-five guy when you’re fighting Deontay Wilder four months later.

“We’re in a little bit of a difficult position, it is what it is. We want him to fight, I don’t think Saudi (Arabia) want him to fight, because they want him to be ready for Deontay Wilder in December. But we all feel as a team that it would be beneficial for his preparation to have that fight in August.”

Related Topics:ANthony Joshua Heavyweight Champion

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AFCON 2025: Ghanaian Daniel Laryea is Nigeria–Morocco semi-final Referee

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea boasts an impressive résumé that includes multiple AFCON appearances as well as regular officiating roles in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Published

5 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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• Referee Daniel Laryea

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and the host nation Morocco.

The decisive encounter is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where continental giants will battle for a place in the final.

Laryea’s appointment is a strong vote of confidence in his experience and consistency at the highest level of African football.

The 39-year-old official has been one of the standout referees at the ongoing tournament, earning praise for his composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

He recently served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s tense quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match that demanded sharp judgment and calm intervention.

Earlier in the competition, Laryea also took charge as centre referee in the group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso, where he effectively controlled the pace and discipline of the game.

His ability to manage emotionally charged fixtures has earned him respect across the continent.

Sports

AFCON 2025: Osimhen to captain Super Eagles against Morocco

Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.

Published

6 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

19 Views

Victor Osimhen will wear the captain’s armband for the Super Eagles in their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This was due to the suspension of the regular captain Wilfred Ndidi due to card accumulation.

Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.

Osimhen previously captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage game against Uganda.

The striker was appointed vice-captain of the national team on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sports

Odegbami predicts Super Eagles will defeat Morocco in semi-final clash

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

Published

14 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

Former Nigeria international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Segun Odegbami has expressed strong conviction ahead of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Odegbami described the Rabat crowd as a major factor.

“They will have a 12th player, a loud army of supporters pushing them forward,” he said.

Nevertheless, he remains confident Nigeria can rise to the occasion.

Nicknamed “Mathematical” during his playing career, Odegbami said Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria brought back memories of the country’s historic dominance on the continent four decades ago.

“It felt like March 22, 1980, all over again. History was echoing loudly in my head,” Odegbami said.

The former Eagles captain recalled Nigeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria at the 1980 AFCON, when the North Africans were widely regarded as Africa’s strongest side, achieved through intensity, discipline and fearless attacking football.

“Algeria were stunned then, just as they looked helpless again two days ago,” he noted.