British-Nigerian boxer Dan Azeez has expressed his support for Anthony Joshua to stage a fight in Nigeria, describing it as a momentous event that would greatly benefit the country.
The former Commonwealth champion made this remark following his emotional homecoming victory at the Chaos in the Ring event, held on Independence Day at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Azeez secured a fourth-round TKO win over Sulaimon Adeosun in what marked his first-ever professional bout on Nigerian soil.
Speaking after the fight, an excited Azeez shared his joy at finally competing in his homeland:
“Yeah, I did this in Nigeria, it’s nice. I am so happy I did this here. I’m back in my hometown, in Nigeria, in Lagos. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena looks proper. They shocked me with the setup. I’m happy to be back home and get the win.
“Now, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things, whether that will be in Nigeria, the UK, or wherever. Fighting here means so much to me — I’d have boxed for free, I swear on my life.”
When asked about the possibility of fellow British-Nigerian heavyweight Anthony Joshua fighting in Nigeria, Azeez was optimistic:
“It’ll be great if Joshua fights here in Nigeria. I think he’d love to. Whether it’s here or elsewhere in Africa, a bout in Nigeria would be amazing.”
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 milestone for Nigerian boxing, saying,
“This event has shown that Nigeria has both the infrastructure and passion to host world-class boxing. We’re ready to welcome more international fighters and showcase our country as a premier boxing destination.”
General Secretary Remi Aboderin also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to attracting more major fights:
“We’ve 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. This success is just the beginning.”
Among the dignitaries present was Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while the main event saw American cruiserweight Brandon Glanton knock out 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne in the sixth round.
Meanwhile, Dr Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, announced plans to host a major heavyweight title fight in Nigeria this December, challenging Nigerian-born heavyweights such as Moses Itauma, David Adeleye, and Lawrence Okolie to headline the landmark bout on home soil.
