Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. back to Nigeria for a December bout are reportedly moving forward at a steady pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions. The British middle‑weight star first set foot on Nigerian soil in June as part of a fact‑finding mission after his loss to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November.
During that visit, Adamu used the opportunity to gauge local interest, meet potential sponsors, and assess the logistical requirements for staging a high‑profile fight on the continent. Adamu has long been vocal about his ambition to host some of the sport’s biggest names—Anthony Joshua, Moses Itauma and other heavyweight stars—in Nigeria. While those long‑term goals remain on the horizon, the most realistic short‑term objective is to secure Eubank Jr., a fighter with a strong fan base and a recognizable pedigree as the son of former champion Chris Eubank Sr. The promoter believes that Eubank Jr.
represents a manageable, yet still marquee, entry point for elevating the profile of Nigerian boxing. Last month, Adamu organized a public appearance for the British fighter in the bustling district of Mushin, where Eubank Jr. was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that swarmed his vehicle and cheered his presence.
The warm reception underscored the appetite among Nigerian fans for world‑class talent and hinted at the commercial potential of a full‑scale event later this year. Although Eubank Jr.
will not be on the card for the upcoming Lagos showdown—where local favorite Taiwo Agbaje faces South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika, and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah squares off against Lekan Muibi—Adamu remains focused on the 36‑year‑old’s December availability. "Chris is as big as it gets in terms of star power.
We've hosted big‑name athletes before, but securing him felt like a personal milestone for me," Adamu told the Press Association. "We are actively negotiating a fight for December, and the discussions are progressing nicely." The promoter emphasized that the negotiations involve more than just the fighter’s willingness; they also require government endorsement, sponsorship commitments, and the coordination of local infrastructure. "We had to bring him here to show him what we’re building, to introduce him to the right people, and to lock in the necessary governmental and corporate support," he explained. "These are exciting times for the sport in Africa." Eubank Jr.
has previously described himself as a "free agent," but rival promoter Ben Shalom has suggested that the British boxer may actually be tied to a longer‑term deal with the Boxxer promotion group. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for clarification, but no official comment has been released as of yet.
The broader context of Adamu’s strategy includes recent successes such as Lawrence Okolie’s appearance on a Balmoral Promotions card in December, as well as prior talks with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing regarding a potential Anthony Joshua bout. Those discussions were temporarily sidetracked after Joshua’s involvement in a car accident in Nigeria at the close of 2025, but the promoter remains optimistic about future collaborations. Looking ahead, Adamu has compiled a “heavyweight shortlist” that features several globally recognized fighters who have expressed interest in fighting on African soil. He noted, "We are in talks with Deontay Wilder, who recently discovered his Nigerian heritage and is eager to compete here.
We’re also discussing possibilities with Michael Ofo, Fabio Wardley, and Daniel Dubois for future events. The options are virtually limitless for African boxing, and we anticipate seeing many of these names materialize on our stages." In addition to the heavyweight prospects, Adamu highlighted past events that have helped lay the groundwork for a thriving boxing scene in Nigeria: "We’ve already hosted Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka, and we hope to see Chris Eubank Jr. fight here later this year.
These events signal a new era for African boxing, where local talent can share the limelight with international stars." The promoter’s vision extends beyond single fights; he envisions a sustained calendar of high‑caliber bouts that will attract global viewership, stimulate local economies, and inspire a new generation of Nigerian boxers. By leveraging the continent’s growing appetite for combat sports and aligning with sponsors who see value in the African market, Balmoral Promotions aims to position Nigeria as a premier destination for world‑class boxing.
If the December negotiations with Eubank Jr. reach a successful conclusion, it could serve as a catalyst for the larger ambitions outlined by Adamu. A well‑executed event would not only showcase the fighter’s skill set to a new audience but also demonstrate the logistical capabilities of Nigerian promoters to the broader boxing community.
Such a milestone could pave the way for future headline‑making matchups, including potential heavyweight clashes featuring Joshua, Wilder, or Dubois, thereby cementing Nigeria’s status on the global boxing map. In summary, while the immediate focus remains on finalizing a December bout for Chris Eubank Jr., the broader strategic plan involves building a robust, sustainable boxing ecosystem in Nigeria.
Through government collaboration, sponsor engagement, and the attraction of top‑tier talent, Balmoral Promotions is working to turn the continent’s enthusiasm for the sport into a lasting legacy of high‑profile events and home‑grown champions.