Nigerian pro boxing faces resurgence as talents return

Elizabeth Osoba

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Nigerian professional boxing is experiencing a resurgence as diaspora talents return home to fight, with undefeated Nigerian boxer Elizabeth Oshoba set to headline the historic ‘Chaos In The Ring II’ event on December 19 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Oshoba, who boasts a perfect 9-0 record, will bring her championship belt back to Nigeria for the first time since relocating to the United Kingdom to further her pro boxing career.

The event marks the second major international boxing spectacular in Lagos within three months, following the successful debut edition on October 1, which attracted global attention and was attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The December card, organised by Balmoral Group Promotions, AK Promotions, and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and features former two-weight world champion Lawrence Okolie and heavyweight contender David Adeleye.

“I am incredibly excited to be coming back home to Nigeria with my belt,” Oshoba said.

“This is a dream come true for me. I left Nigeria to chase my pro ambitions in the UK, and now I get to return as a champion to fight in front of my people. It means everything to me.”

The trend of Nigerian fighters returning home has gathered momentum since the first ‘Chaos In The Ring’ event, which saw former Commonwealth champion Dan Azeez make an emotional homecoming victory over Sulaimon Adeosun.

Several high-profile British-Nigerian boxers, including heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma and Okolie, also visited Nigeria and expressed willingness to fight on home soil.

Dr Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said the events represent a turning point for Nigerian boxing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Oshoba back home alongside world-class fighters like Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye,” Adamu said.

“This showcases Nigeria’s rich boxing talent on a global stage and celebrates our heritage, resilience, and ambition to elevate African boxing to new heights. We have proven we can host world-class events, and now our champions want to come home.”

Dr Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, described the wave of returning fighters as a watershed moment.

“The return of champions and the commitment from the fighters demonstrates the growing confidence in Nigerian boxing infrastructure,” Ladipo said.

“After the success of the first event, we have proven we can deliver. This is attracting our talented diaspora boxers back home, this is the renaissance we’ve been working towards.”

Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the NBBofC, added, “Having champions like Oshoba bring their belts to Nigeria after fighting abroad inspires the next generation.

“The success of October’s event opened the floodgates. We are committed to ensuring more high-profile bouts take place here. Nigerian boxing is truly back on the world map.”

Azeez, who fought at the October event, has publicly backed the idea of Anthony Joshua fighting in Nigeria, describing it as something that “would be great for the country.”

British-Nigerian heavyweight Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs) will make his first professional bout on African soil at the December event, following his WBO cruiserweight and WBC bridgerweight world title victories.

“Big-time boxing comes to Lagos. This is a historic moment for Africa, my family, and my career,” Okolie said.

Hard-hitting heavyweight Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) added, “Nigeria, I’m coming home! It’s a dream come true to fight in my parents’ land. The first show was spectacular, and this time we’re bringing even more fire.”

Former world champion Amir Khan, now a promoter, added, “This event brings together explosive heavyweights and Nigeria’s rising stars. It’s a night that will inspire the next generation of African fighters.”

Usually, Nigerian boxers would rather travel abroad for fights, but with this, even boxers who operate in Europe and the USA have shown a desire to come home, which shows Nigerian boxing’s growth.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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