Special Report: Nigeria’s Boxing Punches Below Its Weight Despite Global Talent
BY STEPHEN CHUKS
Nigeria’s boxing heritage is rich with champions who once ruled the global stage — from Dick Tiger’s legendary reign in the 1960s to Samuel Peter’s brief heavyweight dominance in the 2000s.
In recent years, names like Anthony Joshua, Efe Ajagba, and Elizabeth Oshoba have kept Nigeria’s flag flying high, even though many now represent other countries.
Yet, behind these global success stories lies a troubling reality — domestic boxing in Nigeria is struggling. Stakeholders say poor funding, weak governance, and lack of structure are slowly crippling the sport.
Boxers Earn Far Below Global Standards
While the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has sanctioned more fights in recent years, most Nigerian fighters still earn far below international standards.
NBB of C President Rafiu Ladipo admitted that though promoters are helping to revive interest, boxers remain grossly underpaid.
“Our fighters have world-class ability,” he said. “The problem is not talent but the lack of financial investment and proper governance.”
Promoters Struggle With Sponsorship and Exposure
Promoter Bernard Otunola of Unboxx Promotions explained that Nigerian promoters face constant hurdles — from lack of sponsors to poor broadcasting support.
“In London or New York, even small promoters secure TV deals and sponsorships,” Otunola said. “Here, even title fights struggle to get attention.”
He noted that in global markets, streaming and sponsorship deals guarantee five- or six-figure fight purses, while Nigerian fighters often get just token amounts for their efforts.
Poor Broadcasting and Football Dominance Hurt Growth
Broadcasting remains boxing’s biggest weakness in Nigeria. Domestic bouts rarely air on TV, and when they do, poor production quality discourages viewership.
Without broadcasting rights, promotions depend on low-ticket sales and small venues, making it impossible to sustain fighters.
Analysts say football monopolizes sponsorships, leaving boxing starved of funds. “Corporate Nigeria spends on football; boxing gets leftovers,” said sports analyst Emma Jemegah.
He added that many boxer managers negotiate from desperation, weakening their bargaining power abroad.
Governance Gaps and Lost Opportunities
Sports broadcaster Tayo Ogunseye described governance and sponsorship as boxing’s biggest challenges. Despite efforts by Flykite and Yucateco Boxing Promotions, he said promotions remain unstable.
“Boxing thrives on glamour and star power. Nigeria has failed to build heroes who inspire the next generation,” Ogunseye said.
He urged the NBB of C and other bodies to focus on grassroots development, regional scouting, and athlete welfare instead of chasing short-term income.
A Nation of Champions Without Support
Stakeholders agree that Nigeria’s problem is not talent. From Tiger to Joshua, Nigerian boxers have proven their strength on the world stage.
What’s missing is funding, structure, and a commercial ecosystem — sponsorships, TV rights, endorsements, and merchandising — that sustain boxing in countries like the U.K. and U.S.
Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks losing another generation of champions.
“The nation that once produced global boxing legends is now struggling to keep its fighters afloat,” one promoter said. “Nigeria is still punching — but far below its weight.”
