Mayweather to Build Boxing Academies in Nigeria and Give Young Fighters Global Exposure

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has announced plans to establish boxing academies across Nigeria and organise a series of fights to identify and develop young talents capable of competing internationally.

The former world champion, who was in Nigeria on Friday, said the initiative would also create a pathway for Nigerian boxers to train at his gym in Las Vegas through partnerships with local academies.

“My mission is always to be able to touch the people of Africa. I mean, Africa is the best continent in the world,” Mayweather said. “And it’s always good to come back and receive the love from our people, to be able to touch the people, to let them know that if Floyd Mayweather did it, you guys can do it too”.

Dr Adrian Ogun, consultant for TMT Africa, said the programme would commence with boxing events in early 2027 and extend beyond Abuja and Lagos to cities including Enugu and Calabar.

Ogun noted that Nigerian boxers have long been forced to travel abroad to develop their careers, citing heavyweight Efe Ajagba as an example.

“We have suffered from a problem where all of our boxers have gone abroad to develop themselves. Those that were able to get that opportunity,” Ogun said.

The initiative, involving TMT Africa and Front Row Fight Series led by Keane Anis, will provide technical expertise and equipment to support young fighters.

Ogun said the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control has expressed support for the effort.

Mayweather also expressed interest in investing in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, saying his interest in Africa extends beyond financial returns.

“It’s not just about making money in Africa. It’s about making money all around the world, but also giving back to the people,” he said. “Telling the people that you guys should own your resources. You guys should keep your resources in-house”.

Mayweather is scheduled to face Australian light heavyweight Matt “The Jedi” Floyd in an exhibition bout in Bangkok on December 19, 2026.

“My message to the African youth, keep believing. Keep working hard. Know you guys are number one. Africa, know you guys are number one,” Mayweather said.