In a bold move toward global expansion, renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and his company Matchroom Boxing have struck a landmark deal with Legacy Rise Sports to stage their first-ever event on West African soil.
The historic fight night is scheduled for December 20, 2025, in Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital—marking a major milestone for the sport in the region.
Hearn, the charismatic chairman of Matchroom Sport, confirmed the development in an interview with The Ring Magazine, describing it as the “next phase” of the company’s international growth.
“We’re doing a show in Ghana on December 20th,” Hearn said. “This deal is with the same people. We’re working on what fighters will feature on the card at the moment. There will be some with Ghanaian backgrounds and some of our own fighters as well.”
The event promises a blend of local talent and Matchroom stablemates, with early speculation suggesting former light-heavyweight title challenger Craig Richards as a potential headliner. Richards, 35, has been inactive since stopping Padraig McCrory in March but could top the bill on this historic Accra card.
The groundwork for the event was laid in August, when Matchroom CEO Frank Smith visited Ghana to meet local stakeholders.
Impressed by the infrastructure and enthusiasm, Smith’s visit paved the way for the agreement.
Hearn hinted that this would be more than a one-off, describing the December event as a “precursor” to a potential Anthony Joshua fight in Accra by February 2026.
Although Joshua, who recently visited Ghana and has strong roots in the African diaspora, will not feature on the inaugural card, Hearn suggested that the two-time heavyweight champion could make a high-profile return to the ring in Ghana, possibly against longtime rival Tyson Fury.
Matchroom’s expansion into Ghana underscores Hearn’s commitment to growing boxing beyond its traditional markets in the UK, US, Mexico, and the Middle East. While Barry Hearn, the company’s founder, promoted events in South Africa during the 1990s, including Chris Eubank’s 1994 bout in Sun City, this will mark Matchroom’s West African debut.
“It was well publicised about the meetings that took place in Ghana over the last couple of weeks,” Hearn noted earlier this fall, signaling the continent’s rising appeal for premium fight nights.
For Ghana’s passionate boxing community, nurtured in venues like the Bukom Boxing Arena, Matchroom’s arrival could signal a new era.
The country has produced greats such as Azumah Nelson and Joseph Agbeko, and this event offers a platform for emerging talent to shine while connecting global audiences to Africa’s fight culture.
With just days to Christmas, the Accra card is set to blend festive energy with world-class boxing, positioning West Africa as the sport’s next thrilling frontier.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Justice Ebo Wilberforce-Taylor
