By Gabriel Ameh
Former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has announced plans to establish boxing academies across Nigeria as part of efforts to discover young talents, improve training opportunities and revive the country’s boxing industry.
Mayweather made the announcement during a visit to Nigeria on Friday, saying he intends to support emerging African boxers through training programmes, boxing events and opportunities to build professional careers.
The American boxing legend said Africa has enormous sporting potential and expressed his desire to give back to the continent by helping young people achieve success in boxing.
“My mission is always to be able to touch the people of Africa. I mean, Africa is the best continent in the world. And it’s always good to come back and receive the love from our people,” he said.
Mayweather added that his achievements should encourage young Africans to believe that they can also succeed through determination and hard work.
Speaking about plans to organise boxing events and identify promising fighters, he said the continent has considerable untapped talent that deserves international recognition.
Also speaking, Dr Adrian Ogun, Consultant at TMT Africa, said Mayweather had fulfilled a promise made during his previous visit to Abuja in 2022 to return and support the development of boxing among Nigerian youths.
Ogun explained that the proposed initiative, involving TMT Africa and Front Row Fight Series, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Keane Anis, would begin with a series of boxing events in early 2027.
He said the programme would extend beyond Abuja and Lagos to other cities, including Enugu and Calabar.
According to Ogun, the initiative would establish boxing academies and provide technical expertise and equipment to help young fighters improve their skills and compete at higher levels.
He identified the migration of Nigerian boxers abroad in search of better training and professional opportunities as one of the challenges affecting the country’s boxing industry.
Ogun cited Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba as an example of a fighter who had to pursue professional development outside the country.
He said the proposed programme would explore partnerships between Nigerian boxing academies and Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas to expose local fighters to international training standards and professional expertise.
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for Nigerian boxers to gain international exposure through partnerships with overseas boxing facilities.
Beyond sports, Ogun disclosed that Mayweather had expressed interest in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, suggesting that the boxing champion’s proposed engagement with the country could extend into other areas of investment.
Mayweather said his interest in Africa was not limited to making money but also involved ensuring that Africans benefit from the continent’s natural resources.
“It’s not just about making money in Africa. It’s about making money all around the world, but also giving back to the people,” he said.
He also urged Africans to retain greater ownership and control of their natural resources.
On the possibility of staging a boxing bout in Nigeria, Ogun said Mayweather was interested in returning to organise an event, although specific arrangements had yet to be finalised.
He added that the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control was supportive of efforts to revive the sport and that discussions had taken place towards possible collaboration.
Meanwhile, Mayweather is scheduled to face Australian light heavyweight boxer Matt “The Jedi” Floyd in an exhibition bout in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 19, 2026.
Promotional information indicates that Nigerian fans can access the event through pay-per-view arrangements, with eligible participants also having an opportunity to enter a $5,000 cash prize draw. The stated promotional entry deadline is November 16, 2026, subject to the organisers’ terms and eligibility conditions.
Mayweather encouraged African youths to remain focused, work hard and believe in their potential.
His proposed boxing academy initiative could provide a new pathway for Nigerian talents seeking professional development and international opportunities in the sport.
Source: Statements by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dr Adrian Ogun during Mayweather’s visit to Nigeria.
