Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. to the Nigerian ring this December are reportedly moving forward at a steady pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions.
The British middle‑weight star travelled to Nigeria in June as part of a broader assessment of his career options after suffering a defeat to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November. During that visit, Eubank Jr. 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 a desire to see top‑tier British boxers such as Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma compete on Nigerian soil. While those ambitions remain on his longer‑term agenda, the most realistic and immediate goal is to secure a bout for Eubank Jr. The promoter explained that although the upcoming Lagos card on Friday – featuring local favorite Taiwo Agbaje against South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika and a WBO Africa cruiserweight clash between Godday Appah and Lekan Muibi – will not include Eubank, his focus remains firmly fixed on the 36‑year‑old veteran. "Chris is a massive name in the sport, and we've already hosted several high‑profile fighters, but getting him here is truly emotional for me," Adamu told the Press Association.
"We are targeting a December fight for him. The negotiations are still underway, but everything is progressing nicely." The promoter emphasized that bringing a boxer of Eubank's stature to Nigeria involves more than just a simple contract. "We had to bring him over to show him what we’re building, to introduce him to the right officials, secure government backing, and meet the sponsors who will finance the event. It's an exciting time for Nigerian boxing and for the continent as a whole," he added.
Eubank has previously described himself as a "free agent," but there are conflicting reports about his contractual status. Ben Shalom, a promoter who has worked with Eubank, claims the fighter is tied to a long‑term agreement with the UK‑based promotion company Boxxer. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for clarification, but no official comment has been released yet. The broader context of Adamu’s ambitions includes recent high‑profile events on his promotion’s calendar.
In December, former Commonwealth champion Lawrence Okolie fought on a Balmoral Promotions card, and prior to that, Adamu held discussions with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing regarding a potential fight for Joshua. Those talks were unfortunately interrupted when Joshua was involved in a serious car accident in Nigeria at the end of 2025, putting a temporary halt to any immediate plans involving the two‑time heavyweight champion. Looking ahead, Adamu has compiled an extensive wish list of marquee names he hopes to bring to Africa in the coming years.
He revealed that he is currently in talks with former world champion Deontay Wilder, who has recently discovered that his family roots trace back to Nigeria and has expressed interest in fighting on the continent. "We are also speaking with Michael Ofo to explore the possibility of featuring Fabio Wardley in the future, and Daniel Dubois is another name on our radar," Adamu said. The promoter believes the options for high‑profile bouts in Africa are virtually limitless.
"We have already hosted Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka here, and we hope to add Chris Eubank Jr. to that list this year. The future looks bright for African boxing, and we are committed to delivering world‑class events that showcase the talent and enthusiasm of our fans," he concluded. If the December fight with Eubank Jr.
materializes, it would mark a significant milestone for Nigerian boxing, signaling the country's growing ability to attract top international talent. The event would likely draw considerable media attention, boost local ticket sales, and provide a platform for Nigerian fighters to share the stage with a globally recognized star. Moreover, the involvement of sponsors and government agencies could lead to increased investment in boxing infrastructure, training facilities, and youth development programs across the nation. In summary, while the negotiations are still in progress, all signs point to a positive outcome.
Ezekiel Adamu remains optimistic that Chris Eubank Jr. will step into a Nigerian arena this December, adding another chapter to the rising narrative of African boxing on the world stage.