Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. to Nigeria for a bout this December are reportedly moving forward at a good pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions. The British middle‑weight travelled to the West African nation back in June as part of a fact‑finding mission after his recent loss to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November.
During that visit he was given a warm reception, especially when he walked through the bustling streets of Mushin, where crowds gathered to cheer the son of former champion Chris Eubank Sr. Adamu has long expressed his ambition to host marquee British fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma on Nigerian soil, but he acknowledges that Eubank Jr.
represents the most realistic short‑term objective. "Chris is as big as it gets," Adamu told the Press Association, noting the emotional significance of securing a fighter of Eubank's stature. "We've had big superstars before, but having Chris here is a special moment for me." The promoter explained that discussions are already underway to schedule the 36‑year‑old for a December showdown. While the exact opponent has yet to be confirmed, the framework of the deal is reportedly solid, with both parties showing enthusiasm.
"We’re still in negotiations, but it’s coming along nicely," Adamu said, adding that the process has involved a series of meetings with government officials, potential sponsors, and local boxing authorities to ensure the event can be staged smoothly and profitably. Although Eubank Jr. will not appear at the upcoming Lagos card on Friday—where home‑grown talent Taiwo Agbaje will face South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah will meet Lekan Muibi—Adamu remains confident that the December fight will be a landmark occasion for African boxing. He highlighted that the recent Balmoral Promotions showcase, which featured Lawrence Okolie, demonstrated the growing appetite for high‑profile bouts on the continent.
Eubank’s contractual status has been a point of discussion. The fighter has previously described himself as a "free agent," yet promoter Ben Shalom has suggested that the Brit is tied to a longer‑term agreement with the Boxxer promotion. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for comment, but no official response has been released at the time of writing. In addition to Eubank, Adamu is reportedly in talks with a number of other heavyweight and middleweight stars.
He mentioned that Deontay Wilder, who has recently discovered Nigerian ancestry, has expressed interest in fighting on the continent. Discussions are also ongoing with Michael Ofo, a rising Nigerian prospect, to potentially set up future match‑ups that could involve Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois. "The options are endless for us here in Africa, and at some point we’ll see them materialise," Adamu said.
The promoter’s long‑term vision includes building a sustainable boxing ecosystem in Nigeria, leveraging the country’s large population and growing middle class to attract sponsorship and broadcast deals. He cited successful events such as the recent Okolie fight and the upcoming Taiwo Agbaje bout as proof that Nigerian audiences are eager for world‑class boxing.
By securing fighters with global name recognition, Balmoral hopes to raise the profile of the sport locally and inspire a new generation of African athletes. If the December fight with Eubank Jr.
comes to fruition, it could serve as a catalyst for further investment. The event would likely be streamed on platforms like NOW, offering fans a contract‑free viewing experience, and could be accompanied by ancillary content such as the Toe2Toe podcast, which covers boxing news and analysis each week. The promoter also hinted at a broader media strategy that includes highlight reels and behind‑the‑scenes footage to maximise fan engagement. In summary, while details are still being finalised, the groundwork for Chris Eubank Jr.’s potential December appearance in Nigeria appears solid.
Negotiations are progressing, government and sponsor support is being secured, and the broader ambition to position Nigeria as a premier destination for elite boxing is gaining momentum. Should everything fall into place, the bout could mark a significant milestone not only for Eubank’s career resurgence but also for the growth of African boxing as a whole.