Special Report: Nigerian Boxing Legacy Stalled By Poor Funding, Weak Structures
NIGERIA’S boxing history is rich with champions who commanded global respect, from Dick Tiger’s legendary reign in the 1960s to Samuel Peter’s brief heavyweight dominance.
More recently, names such as Anthony Joshua, Efe Ajagba and Elizabeth Oshoba have ensured Nigeria’s presence in world boxing, although often while representing dual nationalities outside the country.
In spite of these successes, fans and stakeholders say domestic boxing remains in a worrying state. They argue that financial realities and weak structures are stifling the sport’s development.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has sanctioned more fights in recent years, yet fighter earnings remain painfully low compared with international standards.
Rafiu Ladipo, President of the NBB of C, admitted that while promoters have helped revive the sport, Nigerian fighters still earn “far less than their peers abroad.”
He maintained that Nigerian boxers have world-class abilities, proven over decades. For him, the issue is not talent but the absence of financial investment and supportive governance structures.
Promoter Bernard Otunola of Unboxx Promotions explained that boxing development anywhere relies heavily on promoters. In Nigeria, however, promoters struggle with sponsorship, broadcasting, and international connections.
He contrasted Nigeria’s struggles with global markets. “In London or New York, even third-tier promoters guarantee television slots and secure sponsorships. In Nigeria, even title fights lack weight.”
Otunola noted that streaming deals and sponsorships in other countries deliver consistent five- or six-figure purses. Nigerian fighters rarely receive such opportunities or financial recognition for their skills.
Broadcasting remains a major weakness. Domestic bouts rarely receive airtime on local channels, and when they do, poor production quality discourages both viewers and international broadcasters from showing interest.
Without television rights, boxing in Nigeria depends heavily on modest ticket sales. With small venues and low-ticket prices, income remains insufficient to sustain fighters.
Football further complicates matters. Corporate sponsors in Nigeria focus overwhelmingly on football, leaving boxing side-lined and fighters without endorsements or stable income beyond fight-night purses.
Sports analyst Emma Jemegah criticised managers of Nigerian boxers, saying they negotiate from desperation rather than strength. This weakens their bargaining power internationally and limits financial gains.
He added that in Europe, even regional promoters attract small business sponsorships — beer brands, gyms, or clothing lines. Nigerian fighters rarely enjoy such supplementary financial support.
Jemegah also raised issues of perception. He suggested that suspicions about African athletes’ ages, coupled with subtle racial bias, undermine opportunities for Nigerian boxers seeking global contracts and fights.
Sports broadcaster Tayo Ogunseye identified governance and sponsorship as key problems. He said promotions remain unstable, despite attempts by outfits like Flykite and Yucateco Boxing Promotions to build the sport.
He emphasised that boxing thrives on glamour and star power. Creating heroes and role models could inspire new talent, but Nigeria has failed to establish such systems.
Television and streaming rights, Ogunseye argued, are central to boxing’s success elsewhere. Even fifth-tier promoters in Asia secure broadcaster deals, ensuring fighters earn respectable purses for low-profile bouts.
In contrast, Nigerian fighters depend on inconsistent promotions with limited financial backing. This leaves them unmotivated and often seeking opportunities abroad rather than investing in domestic careers.
Ogunseye stressed that professional bodies must prioritise boxers’ welfare. Instead of focusing on income from bouts, federations should invest in scouting and grooming talents across the country.
He argued that consistent monitoring, grassroots tournaments, and regional scouting could create a pipeline of talent. Without it, Nigeria risks losing potential champions before they are discovered.
Stakeholders agree that Nigeria’s problem is not talent. From Tiger to Joshua, Nigerian boxers have always shown they can compete and triumph at the highest level.
What holds them back is a lack of funding, poor governance, and the absence of commercial structures that sustain boxing in successful markets around the world.
Boxers in Asia, Europe and America enjoy support from sponsorships, broadcasting, endorsements and merchandising. Nigerian fighters, however, depend solely on small purses and unstable local promotions.
Unless deliberate reforms are introduced, Nigeria risks wasting its boxing potential. The country has champions-in-waiting, but without structure, they remain trapped in mediocrity.
The nation that once produced global boxing legends is now struggling to keep its fighters afloat. Nigerian boxing continues to punch, but painfully below its weight.
(NAN)
