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Ex-boxing world champion, Amir Khan
Former world champion Amir Khan is set to bring world-class boxing to Nigeria for the first time, promising a night of fireworks when the sport takes center stage in Lagos on October 1st Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Khan, who has transitioned from the ring to promotion, has teamed up with Dr. Ezekiel Adamu’s Balmoral Group Promotions to stage what is being billed as a landmark event in African boxing history. The show, titled Chaos In The Ring, will be broadcast globally on DAZN, shining a spotlight on African talent alongside established international names.
“This is about inspiring a new generation and showcasing the heart and skill of Nigerian fighters alongside international stars,” Khan said. “I’m thrilled to bring world-class boxing and the world’s eyes onto Nigeria for the first time. Lagos is ready to shine.”
Headlining the card is a high-stakes cruiserweight showdown between American power-puncher Brandon Glanton (20-3, 17 Kos) and Liverpool’s Rocky Fielding (30-3, 18 Kos).
Fielding, who has previously shared the ring with Canelo Álvarez and Britain’s elite in Callum Smith and John Ryder, is returning to action after a three-year layoff. The former WBA super-middleweight champion declared himself rejuvenated and hungry.
“I’m back with fire,” Fielding said. “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.”
Glanton, meanwhile, is determined to spoil Fielding’s comeback, promising an explosive performance. “I’m coming to Lagos to settle the score with Rocky Fielding,” he said. “Our styles guarantee fireworks, and I’m ready to prove I belong at the top of the cruiserweight division.”
The undercard is equally loaded with talent, showcasing both African and international fighters.
Ghana’s former IBF lightweight world champion Richard Commey (30-5-1, 27 Kos), who has shared the ring with Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, returns in a must-win bout against rising Kazakh prospect Ray Seitzhanov (13-1, 9 Kos).
Britain’s Dan Azeez (21-2-1, 13 Kos), the former British, Commonwealth, and European champion, will make his long-awaited Nigerian debut. “Fighting in Nigeria on Independence Day is a dream come true,” Azeez said. “This is for my heritage, my people, and my pride. I’m ready to honor Nigeria with every punch I throw.”
Viral Ghanaian knockout artist Elvis “The Soldier” Ahorgah (14-4, 13 Kos) also features.
Nigeria’s unbeaten rising star Basit Adebayo (9-0, 4 Kos) will fight Tanzania’s Tony Rashid (17-4-3, 11 Kos) for the prestigious WBO Africa title.
Kerem Ozman (5-0) faces Tosin Osaigbovo (12-0, 8 Kos) in a battle of unbeaten fighters, while Nigeria’s knockout specialist Yusuf Adeniji (12-0, 10 Kos) looks to extend his destructive streak.
For Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, the event is about more than sport it is about national pride and global recognition.
“This historic fight night marks a monumental moment for African boxing,” he said. “We’re proud to showcase Nigeria’s immense talent and passion to the world, celebrating our heritage on a global stage.”
The Lagos event Is expected to draw major attention, not only because of the high-profile names involved but also because of its timing coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
Nigeria has a proud boxing history, producing Olympic champions and fierce contenders, but it has never hosted a world-class professional card of this magnitude. Khan, who has roots in South Asia but has fought on global stages from Las Vegas to London, said the moment is long overdue.
“This is not just about one night,” he added. “It’s about building a platform so that African fighters have the chance to shine on the biggest stage. Nigeria is ready, and this will be the beginning of something very special.
With Independence Day festivities as the backdrop, Chaos In The Ring is being billed as both a sporting spectacle and a cultural celebration a chance for Lagos to stand alongside the world’s boxing capitals. (AriseNews TV)