By Olanrewaju Agiri
Since the beginning of this month, November, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), the country’s boxing sanctioning authority, has been inundated with premier boxing events, the majority of which are set for every weekend in December 2025.
This has been attributed by the organization’s secretary general, Remi Aboderin, to the significant inflow of capital into the sport by investors who recognize the growth of Nigerian boxing as a money spinner.
Some of the major boxing events in this month were ‘Legendary Ring Return’ by New Era Boxing Promotion. At Shalom Park & Events Centre, Igando, Lagos, on November 29th, 2025. ‘Night of Fight’ by Zaoch Boxing. In Monoliza Event Center, Diko Road, Garki Area II, Abuja, on December 7th, 2025. ‘Chaos In Lagos’ by Unboxx at the Sports Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on December 19th, 2025 by Balmoral Group ‘Chaos In The Ring’ by Balmoral Group on December 20th, 2025.
Other major fights include ‘Phenomenon Fight Night 3’ by You Fit Box. Scheduled for Redbar Lagos, 4B Wole Olateju, Lekki Phase 1, on December 21st, 2025. Another is ‘Battle of the Ages, 12.0, Fight for Glory’ by De Lad’s Boxing promotion, scheduled for Campos Mini State, Lagos Island, on December 26th, while GOTV Boxing Night 3 by Flykite Promotion will also take the center stage at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, the same day.
Aboderin, speaking with the sports media, noted that the significant influx of investments into the Nigerian boxing industry has created opportunities for some of the most anticipated matchups that fans desire. Additionally, the emerging celebrity boxing niche is attracting large numbers of younger fans.
“The sport of boxing is at an interesting crossroads right now as it repurposes its product for a different audience,” he continued, emphasizing that this is one area where boxing has really improved in the last ten years. “The difficulty of getting the best fighters in any division to compete against each other was one of the biggest problems that plagued boxing at the beginning of the millennium.”
“The sport of boxing is at an interesting crossroads right now as it repurposes its product for a different audience,” he continued, emphasizing that this is one area where boxing has really improved in the last ten years. While talent has never been an issue in Nigeria, as boxing clubs and coaches keep producing boxers with the right personalities to fill up arenas, they aren’t that easy to come by.”
“Fortunately, fighters like undefeated featherweight Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje, Tope Tajudeen TP Rock, and super-flyweight sensation Afolabi Shittu are now stepping up to play that role. Stars like Bolatito ‘Black Tito’ Oluwole and Celine Agwu have emerged as the best female boxers of the modern era, attracting new sets of eyes.” Aboderin, with his significant international experience in boxing administration, noted.
Being a boxing fan in Nigeria has been pretty good in the past few years, as boxing has certainly taken advantage of the increasing popularity of streaming technology by delivering entertaining matchups. Now fans can now access Nigerian boxing events from anywhere in the world with internet access, opening the door for more pay-per-view sales.
“Nigerian promoters are now working closely with influencers to help reach new audiences. Many of the top influencers in boxing today have millions of followers watching everything they do; the likes of Fight Gist media give promoters a chance to get some of their lesser-known fighters’ exposure to a young audience on their undercards,” Aboderin added.
He explained that boxing in Nigeria before was slow to adapt to social media and streaming services, but things have changed considerably in the last few years. “Promoters have learned a lot from working with influencers and now employ social media and viral posts to create buzz for events. The new marketing strategies employed continue to bring in new audiences and casual fans, helping to grow the sport.”
Boxing remains the most popular combat sport worldwide despite the many changes to the sports and entertainment space in the past couple of decades. It’s a sport that gives fans everything they need to be entertained, from intriguing storylines to the perseverance fighters show inside the ring.
The president of the West African Boxing Union (WABU), who has been involved in shaping boxing policies across Africa and beyond, described boxing as a test of intelligence, skill, courage, and determination, saying every boxer brings their unique style inside the ring, creating an endless selection of narratives and matchups that keep fans wanting more.
“The professional boxing return to prominence in this modern era is a testament to the enduring appeal of the NBBofC. Fueled by exciting talent, thrilling matchups, and innovative marketing, the sport has once again captured the imagination of sports fans worldwide,” Aboderin enthused.
