Negotiations to bring British boxer Chris Eubank Jr. to Nigeria for a December showdown are reportedly moving forward at a steady pace, according to Ezekiel Adamu, the founder of Balmoral Promotions. The promoter, who has been a vocal advocate for raising the profile of heavyweight and middle‑weight boxing on the African continent, said the discussions are "coming along nicely" and that he is optimistic about sealing a deal before the end of the year. Eubank Jr.
first set foot on Nigerian soil in June, a visit that doubled as a scouting mission after his recent loss to Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November. The British middle‑weight used the trip to gauge the local market, meet potential partners, and explore the logistics of staging a high‑profile bout on the continent.
While the defeat was a setback, it also opened the door for Eubank to consider fresh opportunities outside the traditional UK circuit. Adamu has long expressed a desire to host some of the sport’s biggest names in Nigeria, citing Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma as long‑term aspirations.
However, he acknowledges that securing a fight with a superstar like Joshua is a more distant goal, requiring extensive government backing, sponsorship commitments, and venue arrangements. In the meantime, Eubank Jr.
represents a realistic short‑term target that can deliver immediate excitement for Nigerian fans and demonstrate the viability of large‑scale boxing events in the region. Last month, Adamu welcomed the 36‑year‑old British fighter to Lagos for a promotional visit. The event attracted a sizable crowd, with Eubank Jr.
– son of former world champion Chris Eubank Sr. – receiving an enthusiastic reception as he walked through the bustling streets of Mushin. The atmosphere was electric, underscoring the strong appetite for top‑tier boxing among the local population. Although Eubank will not be on the card for the upcoming fight night in Lagos on Friday, when home‑grown talent Taiwo Agbaje faces South Africa’s Ayabonga Sonjika and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah takes on Lekan Muibi, Adamu remains focused on locking in the December bout.
"Chris is as big as it gets," Adamu told the Press Association. "We've had big superstars before, but getting Chris here was truly emotional for me.
We’re aiming for a December fight, and while negotiations are still ongoing, they’re progressing nicely." The promoter emphasized the multi‑layered nature of the process. "We had to bring him over to see what we’re doing, to meet the right people, to secure government support, and to connect with sponsors who will fund the event.
These are exciting times for African boxing," he added. Eubank has previously described himself as a "free agent," suggesting he is not tied to any single promoter.
Nevertheless, Ben Shalom of Boxxer has claimed that the British fighter is under a long‑term contract with the company. Sky Sports News has reached out to Boxxer for comment, but a definitive answer has yet to be provided. The negotiations surrounding Eubank are part of a broader strategy by Balmoral Promotions to position Nigeria as a premier destination for international boxing. In December, the promotion staged a successful event featuring former Commonwealth champion Lawrence Okolie, a bout that demonstrated the country’s capacity to host high‑caliber fights.
Prior to that, Adamu held talks with Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom Boxing promoter behind Anthony Joshua, although those discussions were interrupted when Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria at the close of 2025. Looking ahead, Adamu has compiled an ambitious shortlist of potential opponents and headline attractions for future events.
He revealed that talks are underway with former world champion Deontay Wilder, who recently discovered Nigerian ancestry and expressed interest in fighting on his ancestral soil. "Deontay is keen to fight here because of his roots," Adamu explained. The promoter also mentioned ongoing conversations with Michael Ofo, a rising star who could eventually pave the way for a clash with rising heavyweight Fabio Wardley. Additionally, the name of current British heavyweight Daniel Dubois has been floated as a possible future opponent for an African‑based showdown.
"The options are endless for us here in Africa," Adamu said. "We’ve already had Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka compete here, and we hope to see Chris Eubank Jr.
fight on Nigerian soil later this year. The future looks very promising for boxing on the continent." In summary, while the exact details of the December fight—such as the venue, opponent, and financial terms—remain under discussion, the overall sentiment among promoters, athletes, and fans is one of optimism.
The successful reception of Eubank during his June visit, combined with the proven ability to host major bouts, suggests that Nigeria is poised to become a key hub for boxing in Africa. If the negotiations conclude favorably, a December showdown featuring Chris Eubank Jr. could mark a watershed moment, inspiring a new generation of African fighters and attracting global attention to the vibrant Nigerian sports market.