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Tag: Balmoral Group

  • Lagos agog as Balmoral brings Africa’s biggest boxing showdown on Independence Day

    Lagos agog as Balmoral brings Africa’s biggest boxing showdown on Independence Day

    Balmoral Group is set to stage Africa’s biggest boxing event on October 1st, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    The much-anticipated fight night, tagged “Chaos in the Ring,” will take centre stage at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

    Organised by Balmoral Group, the historic event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and Sky Sports, firmly putting Nigeria on the global boxing map.

    Group CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, said preparations are in full swing to deliver a world-class spectacle, promising fans an unforgettable night of action and celebration.

    “After the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, this is the first time Africa will be hosting such a global boxing event. ‘Chaos in the Ring’ will go down as one of the biggest fight nights ever staged in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole,” Adamu said.

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    “This historic fight night marks a monumental moment for African boxing. Lagos will deliver a lasting memory for everyone in attendance and the millions watching around the world.”

    Adamu added that adequate security measures have been put in place, urging Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary with an electrifying showcase of boxing talent.

    Fight Card Highlights 

    Basit Adebayo (Nigeria) vs Tony Rashid (Tanzania) – WBO Africa Title

    Kerem Ozman vs Tosin Osaigbovo – battle of unbeaten prospects

    Yusuf Adeniji returns to the ring

    International Stars

    Brandon Glanton (USA), cruiserweight contender, making his Nigerian debut after his explosive bout with former world champion Chris Billam-Smith

    Richard Commey, former IBF world champion

    Ray Seitzhanov, rising prospect

    Dan Azeez (British-Nigerian), who described fighting in Lagos on Independence Day as a proud nod to his heritage.

  • Balmoral seals strategic partnership to boost boxing in Nigeria

    Balmoral seals strategic partnership to boost boxing in Nigeria

    In a bold step to elevate Nigerian boxing to a global stage, Balmoral Group Promotions and Bet9ja have entered a strategic partnership ahead of the highly anticipated “Chaos In The Ring” boxing event. 

    This collaboration is designed to foster Nigerian talent, raise the sport’s profile, and create unforgettable moments of national pride through high-profile events that showcase emerging stars and deliver thrilling action to fans worldwide.

    The partnership will kick off with a historic night of boxing on Nigerian Independence Day, October 1, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. This inaugural event is presented in collaboration with legendary former world champion Amir Khan and his AK Promotions, with support from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria. Broadcast live on DAZN, “Chaos In The Ring” will not only celebrate Nigeria’s independence but also serve as a platform to inspire the next generation of boxers, with a focus on community engagement, talent development, and global storytelling through exclusive content.

    Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said: “This multi-year sponsorship is a game-changer for Nigerian boxing. Together with AK Promotions and Amir Khan, we are not just hosting fights; we are building hope, uniting communities, and positioning Nigeria as a powerhouse in the global boxing arena. October 1st will be a night to remember, marking the dawn of a new era for our sport.”

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    Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager of Bet9ja, added: “Bet9ja is proud to back Nigerian boxing through this transformative partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions. Our shared vision is to shine a spotlight on the incredible grit and talent within our nation, building future stars and delivering some of Nigeria’s most proud and publicised sporting nights. Starting with this Independence Day spectacle, we are committed to growing the sport’s ecosystem, creating opportunities for athletes, and engaging fans in ways that resonate both at home and abroad.”

    Amir Khan, CEO of AK Promotions and former unified light-welterweight world champion, shared his excitement: “I’m thrilled to partner with Balmoral Group Promotions and now Bet9ja to bring world-class boxing to Nigeria. This event on Independence Day will showcase incredible talent and draw eyes from around the world, helping to develop the stars of tomorrow and create lasting legacies for the country.”

    The event will be headlined by a highly anticipated cruiserweight clash between American contender Brandon Glanton (20-3, 17 KOs) and former WBA super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding (30-3, 18 KOs) from Liverpool. The card also features notable bouts, including former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey versus Shiloh Defreitas and appearances by rising talents like Dan Azeez, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing presence in international boxing.

  • Balmoral Group to stage Nigeria’s biggest boxing night featuring Amir Khan

    Balmoral Group to stage Nigeria’s biggest boxing night featuring Amir Khan

    Balmoral Group Promotions, in partnership with AK Promotions, is set to deliver the biggest boxing event ever staged in Nigeria, bringing global attention to Lagos on a night of historic proportions.

    On Wednesday, October 1st — Nigerian Independence Day — the world will witness Chaos In The Ring, a landmark boxing showcase broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. 

    The event marks a groundbreaking collaboration between Nigeria’s leading boxing promoter and former Olympian and World Champion Amir Khan, blending international stars with Nigerian talent to celebrate the nation’s pride and potential on the global stage.

    Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said: “This historic fight night on Nigerian Independence Day marks a monumental moment for African boxing. We are proud to partner with AK Promotions to showcase Nigeria’s immense talent and passion to the world, celebrating our heritage and potential on a global stage.”

    Amir Khan, CEO of AK Promotions, added:

    “I’m thrilled to bring world-class boxing and the world’s eyes to Nigeria for the first time. This event is about more than just fights – it’s about inspiring a new generation and showcasing the heart and skill of Nigerian boxers alongside international stars. Lagos is ready to shine.”

    Headline Bouts

    Glanton vs. Fielding – A Cruiserweight Showdown

    Cruiserweight contender Brandon Glanton (20-3, 17 KOs), fresh off his thrilling war with Chris Billam-Smith, will face Liverpool’s returning fighter Rocky Fielding (30-3, 18 KOs) in a must-watch clash.

    Glanton vowed:

    “I’m coming to Lagos to settle the score with Rocky Fielding. Our styles guarantee fireworks, and this fight is my chance to show the world what I’m capable of.”

    Fielding, back after a three-year layoff, is eyeing a resurgence:

    “After three years out, I’m back with a fire to reclaim my place at the top. Beating Glanton in Lagos will show everyone I’m ready for a world title shot. The cruiserweight division is wide open, and I’m coming for it all.”

    Nigerian and African Pride on the Card

    Dan Azeez (21-2-1, 13 KOs), former British, Commonwealth, and European Champion, will fulfil his dream of fighting in Nigeria.

    “Fighting in Nigeria on Independence Day is a dream come true. This is for my heritage, my people, and my pride.”

    Viral sensation Elvis “The Soldier” Ahorgah (14-4, 13 KOs) returns to Africa, bringing his fearless style to Lagos.

    Nigeria’s Basit Adebayo (9-0, 4 KOs) faces Tanzania’s Tony Rashid (17-4-3, 11 KOs) for the WBO Africa Title.

    Rising prospects Kerem Ozman (5-0) and Tosin Osaigbovo (12-0, 8 KOs) collide in a “someone’s 0 has got to go” showdown.

    Undefeated puncher Yusuf Adeniji (12-0, 10 KOs) also features on the stacked card.

    The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

  • Balmoral Group’s ‘Chaos in the Ring’ boxing event holds Dec. 26

    Balmoral Group’s ‘Chaos in the Ring’ boxing event holds Dec. 26

    Game Rush, the leading sports and entertainment subsidiary of Balmoral Group has announce the second edition of its premier boxing event, Chaos in the Ring.

    The highly anticipated event is set to take place on Boxing Day,  26th  December,  at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos.

    Organisers said  the upcoming  event promises an even more electrifying showcase of talent, with participants from South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon and Tanzania with  an international referee from Belgium.

    Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, Chief Executive Officer, Balmoral Group, shared the company’s vision for this year’s edition during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday: “I want us to see this event as our very own. It’s not just about the Balmoral Group—it’s about empowering individuals, transforming the lives of our boxers, and showcasing African talent on a global stage.

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    “ We are committed to promoting our fighters to international levels, creating opportunities for them to shine while changing the narrative of boxing in Nigeria. To achieve that, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism.” he added.

    Chaos in the Ring will feature major international boxing belts, including the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) African Featherweight Title and the UWCB Continental Title, elevating the boxing industry to new heights. One of the headline fighters, Rilwan Lawal, stoked anticipation when he addressed his opponent, saying, “Get ready because you’re not in my calibre, and I am ready to take you back to boxing school! Everyone should be ready to watch the fight because I am bringing total chaos to the ring!.”

    Speaking about the matchups, Secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin said: “These fights are going to be superb. The boxers are training hard, and I can confidently say they will deliver a show.”

    The full fight card include 12 x 3 mins Rounds International Boxing Organisation African Featherweight Title, Rilwan Lawal vs. Taiwo Agbaje; 8 x 3 mins Rounds National Lightweight Challenge, Basit Adebayo vs. Oto Joseph; 8 x 2 mins Rounds National Female Light Heavyweight Challenge,  Celina Agwu vs. Bolatito Oluwole; 4 x 3 mins Rounds International Heavyweight Challenge Ifeanyi Onyekwere (Nigeria) vs. Ghana.

    Others are 12 x 3 mins Rounds UWCB Continental Title Fight, Yakubu Faruq vs. Rilwan Ayotunde Babatunde; 10 x 3 mins Rounds West African Boxing Union Title Fight, Gba Meshach vs. Austin Nnamdi  among others.

    Each bout on the card is a title fight, promising an evening of intense competition and top-tier athleticism. The presence of an international referee from Belgium further highlights the event’s global appeal and commitment to fairness.

    A driving force for innovation in the sports industry, Balmoral Group’s Game Rush is committed to supporting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of athletes and sports lovers.

  • Group lifts Nigerian Boxing officials with capacity building courses

    Group lifts Nigerian Boxing officials with capacity building courses

    Balmoral Group, events and venue management company through its sports entertainment subsidiary, Game Rush, has sponsored a four-day “Pro Boxing Judges/Ring Referee Course” for boxers.

    The training was done in partnership with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    Led by Ghanaian veteran judge and referee Mr. Roger Barnor, the programme brought together over 15 referees from various states, including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Akure, to enhance the skills and standards of boxing officiating in Nigeria.

    Participants engaged in detailed video analyses of past matches, with critical evaluations of refereeing decisions, and learned techniques for handling complex match situations to ensure fairness and accuracy in officiating.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group, said, “At Balmoral Group, we believe in telling the African story to the world, and boxing is a powerful medium to achieve this. Many see boxing purely as a sport, but it’s also a form of showbiz. With Mr Barnor’s mentorship, we are confident that this course will produce officials capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage. This is the beginning of many such efforts to raise boxing’s profile in Nigeria.”

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    The intensive program ended with an interactive session, during which referees exchanged insights and participated in a live scoring exercise, testing their real-time decision-making and deductive skills. The last day also covered technical aspects such as scoring cards and built upon skills introduced in previous sessions.

    The lead judge, Mr. Barnor encouraged participants, commending Balmoral Group and Game Rush for their dedication to the sport and expressing hope for the future of the Nigerian boxing industry.

    “Thank you to my colleagues for coming, and to Mr Ezekiel Adamu and Dr Rafiu Oladipo for making this event possible. I would be honoured to see each of you rise to the top with the knowledge gained here. Let us work together to achieve the purpose that brought us all here,” he remarked.

    Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Balmoral Group and Game Rush for their invaluable sponsorship.

    “This event is only possible because of the unwavering support of Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group, who has ensured we have everything we need. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and commitment to advancing Nigerian boxing.”

    With boxing often under looked in Nigerian sports, Balmoral Group’s latest initiative through Game Rush reaffirms its commitment to grassroots sports development, championing the growth of boxing and nurturing skilled officials and athletes. This intensive training further highlights Balmoral Group’s vision for a thriving future for Nigerian boxing, empowering the sport to secure its rightful place in the nation’s athletic landscape.