Negotiations to bring Chris Eubank Jr. to Nigeria for a bout this December are reportedly moving forward at a steady pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions. The British middle‑weight star made a trip to the West African nation back in June as part of his post‑defeat assessment after losing to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 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 catch a glimpse of the son of former champion Chris Eubank Sr. Adamu has long expressed a desire to see top‑tier British fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma step onto Nigerian soil.
While those marquee names remain aspirational targets, the promoter acknowledges that a realistic short‑term objective is to secure Eubank Jr. for a December showdown.
"Chris is as big as it gets," Adamu told the Press Association, emphasizing the emotional impact of having a fighter of Eubank's stature agree to appear in the country. "We've had big superstars before, but getting Chris here was truly special for me." The promoter explained that the discussions are still ongoing but are progressing positively: "We’re looking at him coming here for a fight in December.
We’re still in negotiations, but that’s coming along nicely." He added that a series of logistical steps have already been taken, including a visit by Eubank Jr. to meet local officials, potential sponsors, and key stakeholders who could underwrite the event. "We had to bring him over here to see what we’re doing, to meet the right people, to get government support and to meet the sponsors that are going to pay for the event.
Exciting times ahead," Adamu said. Although Eubank Jr.
will not be on the card for the Lagos event on Friday—where home‑favorite Taiwo Agbaje faces South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah squares off against Lekan Muibi—Adamu remains focused on finalising the December arrangement. The promoter highlighted that the Nigerian boxing scene has already hosted notable names, including Lawrence Okolie, who fought on a Balmoral Promotions show in December, and Tony Yoka, who also appeared on a Nigerian card. These precedents, he believes, demonstrate the country’s growing capacity to host high‑profile bouts. Eubank Jr.
has previously described himself as a "free agent," but there are conflicting reports about his contractual status. Ben Shalom, a promoter associated with the boxer, has suggested that Eubank might be tied to a long‑term agreement with Boxxer, a claim that Sky Sports News has sought to verify. The ambiguity surrounding his contractual obligations adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations, but Adamu appears confident that a mutually beneficial solution can be reached.
Looking beyond Eubank, Adamu is already mapping out a broader agenda for bringing world‑class talent to Africa. He disclosed that conversations are underway with former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who recently discovered his Nigerian heritage and expressed interest in fighting on the continent.
"We’re speaking with Deontay because he found out his roots are from Nigeria, so he is also keen to fight here," Adamu said. Other names on the shortlist include Michael Ofo, with the possibility of arranging a future bout featuring Fabio Wardley, as well as rising heavyweight Daniel Dubois. "The options are endless for us here in Africa and at some point we’ll see them," Adamu added, underscoring his ambition to turn Nigeria into a regular stop on the global boxing calendar.
The promoter also referenced past collaborations with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, particularly in the context of Joshua’s involvement before the former two‑time heavyweight champion suffered a car accident in Nigeria at the end of 2025. While that incident temporarily stalled plans, it demonstrated the willingness of major promoters to engage with the Nigerian market.
In summary, the pathway to a December fight featuring Chris Eubank Jr. appears to be taking shape, driven by a combination of governmental backing, sponsor interest, and the enthusiasm of local fans. If the negotiations conclude successfully, the bout could serve as a catalyst for further high‑profile events, cementing Nigeria’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for world‑class boxing.
The promoter’s broader vision—encompassing fighters like Joshua, Wilder, Wardley, and Dubois—signals a long‑term commitment to elevating African boxing on the international stage, promising exciting opportunities for athletes, fans, and the sport’s ecosystem alike.