Mayweather to unveil boxing talent series in Nigeria

Former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. Photo: Britannica

Former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather is set to launch a boxing development initiative in Nigeria aimed at discovering, training and promoting emerging talents.

The American boxer is expected to arrive in Abuja on Thursday, November 12, ahead of a press conference on Friday, November 13, where details of the TMT Frontrow Fight Series will be unveiled.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Keane Anis, head of TMT Africa and Frontrow Fight Series Media, The Guardians reports on Thursday.

Under the initiative, boxing academies and grassroots development programmes will be established in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Calabar and other locations across the country.

The programme is expected to equip young Nigerian boxers with professional training, create opportunities for them to pursue careers in the sport and expose them to international competitions.

Beyond boxing, the 49-year-old is expected to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining and solid minerals sector during his visit.

The organisers said, “Boxing legend Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather will arrive in Abuja on Thursday 12 November to announce the launch of TMT Frontrow Fight Series Nigeria and explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining and solid minerals sector.”

The inaugural TMT Frontrow Fight Series event would hold in 2027. Mayweather is also expected to feature in a boxing match in Nigeria that year, although details of his opponent and the venue are yet to be announced.

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At Friday’s press conference, Mayweather will also discuss his proposed December 19 bout against Australian light heavyweight boxer Matt “The Jedi” Floyd in Bangkok, Thailand.

Floyd has recorded 15 wins from 17 professional fights.

The organisers said details of subscription arrangements for Nigerian fans interested in watching the Bangkok contest would also be announced at the briefing.

The proposed Nigerian series forms part of TMT Africa and Frontrow Fight Series’ plans to develop boxing talent and create professional pathways for young athletes across the continent.

Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with an unbeaten record of 50 victories, including 27 knockouts. Since then, he has participated in several exhibition bouts against different opponents.