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 star made a trip to the West African nation in June as part of his post‑defeat assessment after losing 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 secure the backing of government officials who could help finance a high‑profile event. Adamu has long expressed a desire to see top‑level British fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma step into Nigerian arenas, but he acknowledges that the most realistic short‑term goal is to secure Eubank Jr.
as a headline attraction. In fact, the promoter hosted the former champion in Nigeria just a month ago, and the son of the legendary Chris Eubank Sr.
was greeted by enthusiastic crowds as he walked through the bustling streets of Mushin, a district of Lagos known for its vibrant atmosphere. Although Eubank Jr. will not appear on the card for the upcoming Friday fight in Lagos—where local favorite Taiwo Agbaje will face South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah will meet Lekan Muibi—Adamu remains focused on sealing a deal with the 36‑year‑old for a December showdown.
"Chris is as big as it gets. We've hosted huge superstars before, but getting Chris here was truly emotional for me," Adamu told the Press Association.
"We are targeting a December fight. The negotiations are still ongoing, but everything is coming together nicely." The promoter explained that bringing Eubank to Nigeria involves more than just a simple contract. "We had to bring him over to show him what we can do, introduce him to the right people, secure government support, and line up sponsors who will fund the event. Exciting times lie ahead," he added.
Eubank has previously described himself as a "free agent," yet rival promoter Ben Shalom claims the British fighter is actually tied to a long‑term agreement with Boxxer. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for comment, but no response has been confirmed. The broader context of Adamu's ambitions is worth noting. In December, former Commonwealth champion Lawrence Okolie fought on a Balmoral Promotions card, and Adamu has been in talks with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing about potential collaborations involving Joshua.
Those discussions were interrupted when the two‑time heavyweight champion was involved in a car accident in Nigeria at the end of 2025, an incident that underscored the growing interest of top‑tier fighters in the African market. Looking further ahead, Adamu is compiling a substantial shortlist of names for future events.
He revealed that talks are underway with former world champion Deontay Wilder, who recently discovered Nigerian ancestry and expressed a keen interest in fighting on the continent. "We are also speaking with Michael Ofo to explore the possibility of bringing Fabio Wardley over, and Daniel Dubois is another name on our radar," he said. The promoter emphasized that the options for high‑profile bouts in Africa are virtually limitless. "We've already had Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka compete here, and we hope to see Chris Eubank Jr.
fight in Nigeria later this year. The future of African boxing looks very promising," he concluded.
In summary, the pathway to a December showdown between Chris Eubank Jr. and a suitable opponent in Nigeria appears to be taking shape, driven by a combination of local enthusiasm, government backing, and sponsor interest.
While the exact details of the fight—such as the opponent, venue, and broadcast arrangements—remain under negotiation, the momentum generated by Adamu's outreach and the positive reception Eubank received during his June visit suggest that a landmark event could soon materialize, further cementing Nigeria's emerging status as a hub for major boxing spectacles.