Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Establish Boxing Academies in Nigeria

Former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has announced plans to establish boxing academies across Nigeria as part of efforts to develop young talents and revive the country's boxing industry. During a visit to Nigeria, Mayweather said the initiative would involve organising boxing events, identifying promising fighters and providing opportunities for young Africans to develop their careers. He emphasized that Africa had enormous untapped talent and expressed his commitment to supporting the continent beyond his sporting achievements.

Mayweather's initiative will be implemented in partnership with TMT Africa and Front Row Fight Series, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Keane Anis. The programme, which is set to commence with a series of boxing events in early 2027, will not be restricted to Abuja and Lagos but will extend to other cities, including Enugu and Calabar. The initiative will provide boxing academies, technical expertise and equipment to support young fighters and develop the country's boxing talent pool.

Dr Adrian Ogun, Consultant, TMT Africa, said Mayweather had fulfilled a promise he made during his previous visit to Abuja in 2022 to return to Nigeria and promote boxing among young people. Ogun cited Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba as an example of a talent who had to pursue his professional development outside the country. He said the initiative would also create opportunities for Nigerian boxers to gain international exposure through partnerships with boxing facilities abroad.

The proposed programme will also involve a partnership between Nigerian boxing academies and Mayweather's gym in Las Vegas to improve training standards and provide young fighters with access to international expertise. Mayweather expressed his interest in investing in Nigeria's solid minerals sector, adding that his interest in the country extended beyond sports. He emphasized that his goal was not solely about making money but also about ensuring that Africans benefited from their natural resources.

Mayweather urged African youths to remain determined and believe in their abilities. He said, "My message to the African youth, keep believing. Keep working hard. Know you guys are number one. Africa, know you guys are number one." Mayweather is scheduled to face Australian light heavyweight boxer Matt “The Jedi” Floyd in an exhibition bout in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 19, 2026.

Nigerian fans can purchase pay-per-view access to the event through theorderpromotions.com/ng for an opportunity to enter a $5,000 cash prize draw. The promotional entry deadline is Monday, November 16, 2026, subject to the stated terms and eligibility requirements. Dr Ogun said the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control was supportive of efforts to revitalise the sport and that he had met with the organisation as part of moves to collaborate on the initiative.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's boxing industry, which has suffered from a lack of investment and infrastructure in recent years. With Mayweather's support, young Nigerian boxers will have access to world-class training and equipment, and the country's boxing talent pool is expected to grow. Mayweather's investment in Nigeria's boxing academies is a significant development for the country's sports sector and is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's boxing industry.

Key points

• Floyd Mayweather Jr. plans to establish boxing academies across Nigeria to develop young talents and revive the country's boxing industry.
• The initiative will involve organising boxing events, identifying promising fighters and providing opportunities for young Africans to develop their careers.
• The programme will provide boxing academies, technical expertise and equipment to support young fighters and develop the country's boxing talent pool.