Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. back to Nigeria for a December bout are reportedly moving forward at a good clip, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions.
The British middle‑weight made a trip to the West African nation in June as part of a broader assessment of his career options after suffering a loss to fellow UK contender Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November. Adamu has long expressed his ambition to host high‑profile British fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma on Nigerian soil, but he acknowledges that the most realistic short‑term objective is securing Eubank Jr.
The promoter recently hosted the son of former champion Chris Eubank Sr. in Nigeria, where the boxer was greeted by enthusiastic crowds as he walked through the bustling streets of Mushin. While Eubank will not appear in Lagos on Friday for the card featuring local favorite Taiwo Agbaje against South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika, or the WBO Africa cruiserweight title clash between Godday Appah and Lekan Muibi, Adamu remains focused on the 36‑year‑old’s potential December appearance. "Chris is as big as it gets," Adamu told the Press Association.
"We've had major stars before, but having Chris come here is genuinely emotional for me. He's a huge name, and the prospect of him fighting in Nigeria is thrilling." He added that the discussions are still ongoing but are "coming along nicely," signalling that the parties are making tangible progress.
The promoter explained that bringing Eubank to Nigeria involves more than just a simple agreement. "We had to bring him over to see what we’re doing, to meet the right people, to secure government backing and to line up sponsors who will fund the event. It’s a complex process, but the excitement is real and the future looks bright for African boxing." Eubank has previously described himself as a "free agent," yet promoter Ben Shalom has suggested the British fighter is tied to a long‑term deal with Boxxer. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for comment but has not yet received a response.
This ambiguity adds another layer to the negotiations, as both sides must reconcile contractual obligations with the desire to stage a high‑profile fight on African soil. The December card organized by Balmoral Promotions already featured a bout by Lawrence Okolie, and Adamu has previously spoken with Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom Boxing promoter behind Anthony Joshua, before Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria at the close of 2025. Those conversations illustrate the promoter’s broader strategy of positioning Nigeria as a viable destination for elite boxing talent.
Looking further ahead, Adamu revealed that his list of potential headline names extends well beyond Eubank. He confirmed ongoing talks with former world champion Deontay Wilder, who recently discovered his ancestral ties to Nigeria and expressed enthusiasm about fighting there. "Deontay is keen because he learned his roots are Nigerian," Adamu said. "We are also in discussions with Michael Ofo, and we hope to eventually bring Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois to the continent." "The possibilities are endless for us in Africa," he added.
"We’ve already hosted Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka, and we hope to secure Chris Eubank Jr. later this year.
These are exciting times for the sport on the continent." If the December fight materializes, it would represent a significant milestone for Nigerian boxing, showcasing the country’s growing ability to attract top‑tier talent and providing local fans with a chance to see a world‑renowned star live. The event could also serve as a catalyst for further investment in boxing infrastructure, sponsorship deals, and youth development programs across the region. In addition to the immediate logistical hurdles—such as securing visas, arranging travel, and meeting the regulatory requirements of the Nigerian Boxing Federation—the promoter must also ensure that the venue can accommodate a large audience and that broadcasting arrangements are in place to reach a global viewership. Partnerships with streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters will be crucial to maximize exposure and revenue.
Adamu’s optimism is tempered by the realities of the sport’s business side. He emphasized the importance of government support, noting that official endorsement can streamline many of the bureaucratic steps involved in staging an international bout. "When the government backs us, it opens doors to sponsorships and makes the whole process smoother," he explained.
The potential fight also aligns with a broader trend of African nations seeking to host marquee sporting events, from football tournaments to mixed‑martial‑arts spectacles. By successfully delivering a high‑profile boxing match, Nigeria could position itself as a hub for future international competitions, attracting athletes, promoters, and fans from around the world.
As the negotiations continue, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely. Should the deal close, Chris Eubank Jr.’s return to Nigeria could mark the beginning of a new era for African boxing, one where the continent regularly hosts world‑class fights and nurtures homegrown talent on a global stage.
The next few weeks will be decisive, and all eyes are on Balmoral Promotions to see if they can turn this promising dialogue into a historic event.