British-Nigerian boxer Dan Azeez has urged Anthony Joshua to fight in Nigeria, describing it as an event that would be “great for the country,” following his emotional homecoming victory at the Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos.
Azeez, a former Commonwealth champion, defeated Sulaimon Adeosun by TKO in the fourth round at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Nigeria’s Independence Day — his first-ever professional fight on home soil.
Ecstatic after the win, Azeez said:
“I’m back in my hometown, in Nigeria, in Lagos. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena looks proper. They shocked me with the setup. I’m so happy to be back home and get the win. I would have boxed for free — that’s how much it means to me.”
When asked about the possibility of Anthony Joshua fighting in Nigeria, Azeez replied enthusiastically:
“It will be great if Joshua fights here in Nigeria. I think he will love to. I think he’ll fight somewhere in Africa, and it will be great if it’s in Nigeria.”
The Chaos in the Ring event — promoted by Amir Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions — was sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC).
NBBC President Rafiu Ladipo hailed the event as a landmark moment for Nigerian boxing, saying it proved the nation’s ability to host world-class contests.
“This event has shown that Nigeria has the infrastructure and passion to host top-tier boxing. We are ready to welcome more international fighters and showcase our country as a premier boxing destination,” he said.
NBBC General Secretary Remi Aboderin added that the board was committed to staging more high-profile bouts.
“We have proven we can deliver events of this magnitude. Our doors are open to promoters and fighters who want to be part of Nigeria’s boxing renaissance. The success of this event is just the beginning,” he said.
The evening also featured American cruiserweight Brandon Glanton, who knocked out 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne in the sixth round.
Balmoral Group Promotions CEO Dr. Ezekiel Adamu revealed that plans are already underway to host a major heavyweight title fight in Nigeria this December, challenging Nigerian-bred heavyweights — including Moses Itauma, David Adeleye, and Lawrence Okolie — to headline what could be a historic event for Nigerian boxing.
