Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. back to Nigeria for a December bout are reportedly moving forward at a good pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions.
The British middle‑weight heavyweight visited the West African nation in June as part of a broader assessment of his career options after suffering a loss to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November. During that trip, Adamu used the opportunity to gauge local interest, meet potential partners, and lay the groundwork for a future fight on Nigerian soil.
Adamu has long expressed a desire to stage high‑profile boxing events in Nigeria, naming former world champion Anthony Joshua and rising contender Moses Itauma as dream sign‑ups. However, he acknowledges that the most realistic short‑term objective is to secure Eubank Jr., whose name still carries considerable drawing power in the region. In fact, Adamu recently hosted the son of former champion Chris Eubank Sr.
in Nigeria, where crowds in the Mushin district swarmed the fighter as he walked through the streets, demonstrating the level of enthusiasm that local fans have for a return visit. Although Eubank Jr. will not appear on the upcoming card in Lagos on Friday – a fight that will see home‑grown favorite Taiwo Agbaje take on South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika, with WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah also facing Lekan Muibi – Adamu remains focused on securing the 36‑year‑old for a December showdown. "Chris is as big as it gets," Adamu told the Press Association.
"We've had major stars before, but getting Chris here was truly emotional for me." The promoter added that talks are still ongoing but that progress is steady: "We're looking at him coming here for a fight in December. We're still in negotiations, but that's coming along nicely." He explained that the recent visit was essential for establishing the logistical framework needed to host a major bout: meeting government officials, securing sponsorship deals, and confirming venue availability. "We had to bring him over here to see what we're doing, to meet the right people, to get the government support and get to meet the sponsors that are going to pay for the event, but exciting times ahead," he said. Eubank Jr.
has previously described himself as a "free agent," suggesting he is not tied to any single promoter. Yet promoter Ben Shalom has countered that claim, asserting that the British fighter is actually under a long‑term contract with the Boxxer promotion company.
Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for comment, but a definitive answer has not yet been made public. The broader context of Adamu’s ambitions includes a recent appearance by Lawrence Okolie on a Balmoral Promotions card in December, as well as prior discussions with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing regarding a potential Joshua fight. Those talks were interrupted when the two‑time heavyweight champion was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria at the end of 2025, temporarily putting any immediate plans on hold. Looking ahead, Adamu says his roster of prospective opponents extends well beyond Eubank.
He disclosed that he is in talks with former world champion Deontay Wilder, who has recently discovered Nigerian ancestry and expressed interest in fighting on the continent. "We are speaking with Deontay because he found out his roots are from Nigeria, so he is also keen to fight here," Adamu explained.
Other names on his radar include Michael Ofo, a promising Nigerian prospect, with the possibility of arranging future bouts for rising British heavyweight Fabio Wardley and French‑born Daniel Dubois. "The options are endless for us here in Africa and at some point we'll see them," he remarked.
He also highlighted that previous events have already featured notable fighters such as Lawrence Okolie and French heavyweight Tony Yoka, indicating that the infrastructure and audience appetite are already in place. In summary, while the exact details of the December fight – including venue, opponent, and financial terms – are still being hammered out, the overall sentiment among promoters and fans alike is one of optimism.
The successful reception of Eubank Jr.'s June visit, combined with a growing list of high‑profile athletes showing interest in competing in Nigeria, suggests that the country could soon become a regular stop on the international boxing calendar. If the negotiations continue on their current trajectory, African boxing enthusiasts may be treated to a marquee showdown before the year ends, marking a significant milestone for the sport's development across the continent.