Lagos, Nigeria, is set to host a major boxing event on December 19, headlined by heavyweight Lawrence Okolie. The card marks a significant step in expanding the sport’s reach into a burgeoning African market.
Okolie,a former cruiserweight champion born in Nigeria,will fight professionally in Africa for the first time. He will be joined on the card by british heavyweight David Adeleye, who has Nigerian heritage, alongside Emanuel Odiase, Taiwo Agbaje and Shiloh Thomas.
“Big time boxing comes to Lagos!” Okolie stated. “This will be a historic moment for Africa, my family and my career. There’s been a lot of talk,but let’s see who really wants to dance. Detty December just got Saucy. Thanks to Frank [Warren] George [Warren] and Queensberry for making this happen for me.”
The event is being promoted by Queensberry, with promoter Frank Warren highlighting Nigeria’s rich boxing tradition. “Nigeria has a proud boxing history, and we’re extremely pleased to bring this opportunity for two of our leading fighters,” Warren said.”Queensberry is the Home of the Heavyweights and we look forward to our guys doing the buisness in Lagos in december.”
News of the Lagos card follows recent discussions, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, about possibly staging fights for Anthony Joshua in Africa. Offers from both Ghana and Nigeria have been presented, signaling growing interest in developing boxing events on the continent. Hearn told ESPN that Joshua is considering these opportunities.
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