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Tag: Lawrence Okolie

  • Lawrence Okolie headlines historic ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ Lagos showdown

    Lawrence Okolie headlines historic ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ Lagos showdown

    Two-weight world champion and WBC number one heavyweight contender, Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs), will make his historic professional debut on African soil as he headlines ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ against Ghanaian powerhouse Ebenezer Tetteh (23-3, 20 KOs).

    The blockbuster event is set for Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Detty December Festival Grounds in Lagos.

    Promoted by former world champion Amir Khan and Dr. Ezekiel Adamu (CEO of Balmoral Group) in partnership with Queensberry Promotions, the night forms a centrepiece of the “Detty December” cultural festival.

    For the 33-year-old Okolie, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, the fight represents more than just a ranking defence. 

    Having already captured world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, he is now focused on becoming a three-weight world champion in 2026.

    “Fighting in Lagos means everything to me. This is where my family is from. This is the dream,” Okolie said. “On 21 December, under the Detty December lights, I’m putting on a show you won’t forget.”

    His opponent, Ebenezer Tetteh, is a durable veteran known for his knockout power, having recently gone seven gritty rounds with British star Dillian Whyte.

    In the co-main event, 2016 Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka (14-3, 11 KOs) brings his elite pedigree to Nigeria. 

    The French heavyweight aims to climb back into world title contention against German veteran Patrick “Big Patrick” Korte (23-5-1, 19 KOs) in a ten-round showdown.

    Promoter Amir Khan expressed the magnitude of the card: “I’ve fought all over the world, but this Lagos card is special. Okolie headlining Africa for the first time, Tony Yoka bringing heavyweight fire… we’re giving fans a night they’ll never forget.”

    The event features a blend of international prospects and fierce local rivalries:

    Harley Benn, son of boxing legend Nigel Benn, faces Ghanaian warrior Elvis Ahorgah.

    Unbeaten Prospects: Shiloh Defreitas (6-0) puts his record on the line against the rugged Taye Fajimi (10-0).

    Local Rivalries: Two all-Nigerian six-round clashes see Basit Adebayo face Sikiru Shogbesan, and Isaac Chukwudi battle the heavy-handed Raheem Animashaun.

    Female Talent: Emerging stars Nene Joy Ojo and Sandra Darkwah Boateng will also feature in a four-round contest.

    ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, marking a landmark moment for African boxing as it joins a star-studded December calendar featuring global icons like Gunna and Busta Rhymes.

  • Lawrence Okolie to make first professional fight in Africa at ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ in Lagos

    Lawrence Okolie to make first professional fight in Africa at ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ in Lagos

    Balmoral Group Promotions, AK Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions have announced ‘Chaos In The Ring II’, a historic Heavyweight Triple Header scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The blockbuster event — broadcast live worldwide on DAZN — will mark two-weight world champion Lawrence Okolie’s first professional fight on African soil, alongside heavyweight contender David Adeleye and undefeated rising prospect Emanuel Odiase. 

    The night promises to be a landmark moment for African boxing and a celebration of Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

    The announcement follows the massive success of ‘Chaos In The Ring I’, which drew huge crowds and international attention to Lagos earlier this year.

    Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said:

    “We are thrilled to bring this world-class event to Lagos, showcasing Nigeria’s rich boxing talent on a global stage. This triple header celebrates our heritage, resilience, and ambition to elevate African boxing to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of action.”

    Amir Khan, former world champion turned promoter, added:

    “Lagos is about to witness something special. This event brings together explosive heavyweights and Nigeria’s rising stars, backed by the global reach of Queensberry Promotions and DAZN. It’s a night that will inspire the next generation of African fighters.”

    Frank Warren, Hall of Fame promoter and founder of Queensberry Promotions, said:

    “Nigeria has a proud boxing history, and we’re delighted to bring this opportunity to two of our leading fighters. Queensberry is the Home of the Heavyweights, and we look forward to seeing our guys do the business in Lagos this December.”

    Michael Ridout, EVP of DAZN, added:

    “We’re excited to partner once again with AK Promotions and Queensberry. This promises to be a Christmas cracker, featuring some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing — live worldwide on DAZN.”

    Okolie’s African Homecoming

    Two-weight world champion and WBC No.1 heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs) headlines in his first-ever professional fight in Africa.

     Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 33-year-old captured the WBO cruiserweight title in 2021 before winning the WBC bridgerweight belt, and now aims to make history as a three-weight world champion in 2026.

    Okolie said:

    “Big-time boxing comes to Lagos! 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, George, and Queensberry for making this happen.”

    Adeleye Brings the Fire

    In the co-main event, hard-hitting heavyweight David Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) returns to his ancestral home, aiming to bounce back from his thrilling bout against Filip Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs).

     The London-born fighter of Nigerian descent has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most explosive prospects, with 13 knockouts in 14 wins.

    Adeleye said:

    “Nigeria — I’m coming home. What an honour to fight in my parents’ land. The first show was spectacular, and this time we’re bringing even more fire. I can’t wait to put on a show for my people.”

    Odiase Eyes Breakout Performance

    Unbeaten Nigerian powerhouse Emanuel Odiase (9-0, 8 KOs) returns to the same arena where he scored a devastating first-round KO earlier this year. The fast-rising heavyweight will look to deliver another emphatic performance and establish himself among the next generation of global boxing stars.

    All-Nigerian Showdown

    Fans will also witness a high-stakes domestic battle as Taiwo Agbaje (18-0, 13 KOs) faces Musa Tope Tajudeen (19-1, 17 KOs) in an all-Nigerian showdown expected to steal the show. Both fighters are chasing global recognition, with Agbaje targeting a future shot at world champion Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs).

    ‘Chaos In The Ring II’ promises an explosive night of world-class boxing — blending Nigerian pride, heavyweight power, and African excellence — as Lawrence Okolie leads the charge in his long-awaited homecoming.