Nigerian boxing promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu says his drive to bring some of world boxing’s biggest names to Nigeria remains firmly on course, insisting that staging an Anthony Joshua fight in the country is a matter of when, not if.
The Balmoral Promotions chief has already demonstrated his ambition by working with Queensberry Promotions to bring former world champion Lawrence Okolie and Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka to Lagos, while discussions have continued over even bigger attractions.
Joshua remains one of Adamu’s biggest targets.
“We made an offer for him to fight some time last year, but it has not happened yet,” Adamu said. “I am 100 per cent certain at some point we will have Joshua fight here in Nigeria.”
Adamu has also held discussions with promoter Frank Warren over bringing heavyweight Moses Itauma, who has Nigerian heritage, to the country.
“Moses is also keen to fight here. Moses knows his roots, and he would like to fight here,” he said.
The promoter has even floated the possibility of eventually staging Joshua against Itauma in Nigeria, describing such an encounter as a potential global blockbuster.
His immediate focus, however, is continuing to establish Nigeria as a destination for major international boxing.
Adamu says government support, commercial partners and international broadcasters are increasingly aligning with that ambition. Balmoral Promotions has also been working on another major December event as part of its expanding Chaos in the Ring series.
“We’re speaking with DAZN and looking to build Africa as the next home of combat sports,” Adamu said.
After successfully bringing international heavyweight action to Lagos, Adamu’s objective is becoming increasingly ambitious, not merely sending Nigerian fighters to the world’s biggest boxing nights but bringing those nights to Nigeria.
