Cynthia Ezegwu
British-Nigerian boxer, Dan Azeez, has called on former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to stage a fight in Nigeria, saying it would be a major boost for the country’s boxing scene.
Azeez made the call after securing an emotional fourth-round TKO victory over Sulaimon Adeosun at the Chaos in the Ring event held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Independence Day — his first-ever professional fight on Nigerian soil.
The former Commonwealth champion expressed delight at the opportunity to fight in his homeland, describing the experience as deeply personal.
“I did this in Nigeria, and I’m so happy. I’m back home in Lagos, and the setup here shocked me — it was proper,” Azeez said after the bout. “It means a lot to me to fight in Nigeria. I would have boxed for free, I swear on my life.”
On the prospect of Joshua fighting in Nigeria, Azeez said, “It will be great if Joshua fights here in Nigeria. I think he will love to. He’ll definitely fight somewhere in Africa, but it would be special if it’s in Nigeria.”
The Chaos in the Ring event was promoted by Amir Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions and sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC).
President of the NBBofC, Rafiu Ladipo, described the event as a landmark moment for Nigerian boxing.
“This event has shown that Nigeria has the infrastructure and passion to host world-class boxing. We’re ready to welcome more international fighters and showcase our country as a premier boxing destination,” he said.
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General Secretary of the board, Remi Aboderin, added that the success of the event signals a new era for Nigerian boxing.
“We’ve proven we can deliver events of this magnitude. Our doors are open to promoters and fighters who want to be part of Nigeria’s boxing renaissance,” he said.
The event, which was attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries, also featured American cruiserweight Brandon Glanton’s knockout victory over 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne in the sixth round.
Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group Promotions, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, revealed plans to stage a major heavyweight title fight in Nigeria this December and challenged Nigerian-bred heavyweights, including Moses Itauma, David Adeleye, and Lawrence Okolie, to headline the landmark event.