Seven Richest Nigerian Boxers of all time

Nigeria has a proud history of producing elite boxing talent, and several of its fighters have gone on to amass significant fortunes in the sport. From heavyweight champions to trailblazing women, here are the seven richest Nigerian boxers of all time.

Anthony Joshua – $267 Million
Anthony Joshua stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to fame and fortune. The two-time unified heavyweight champion began boxing in 2008 and won Olympic gold for Great Britain in 2012 before turning professional the same year.

Since capturing his first world title in 2016, Joshua has become one of the most marketable athletes in boxing. With 28 wins—25 by knockout—from 32 bouts, his earnings continue to soar. He reportedly pocketed $35 million for knocking out Francis Ngannou and earned around $29 million despite losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in 2024. His net worth rose by $24 million over the past year alone.

Gbenga Oluokun – $16 Million
Gbenga Oluokun had a solid professional career as a heavyweight, facing notable opponents such as Manuel Charr, Lamon Brewster, and Robert Helenius. He also struck gold at the 2003 All-Africa Games in Abuja. Though he never reached the heights of global superstardom, Oluokun secured 16 wins during his time in the ring and built a respectable fortune through high-profile bouts.

Samuel Peter – $5 Million
Nicknamed The Nigerian Nightmare, Samuel Peter was a fearsome heavyweight known for his power and tenacity. A product of Nigeria’s amateur system, he turned pro in 2001 and won the WBC Youth and NABF heavyweight titles early in his career. Despite losing to both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, Peter’s thrilling style earned him sizable purses and a loyal fanbase.

Friday Ahunanya – $5 Million
Friday Ahunanya earned a reputation as a gatekeeper in the heavyweight division, often derailing the momentum of rising prospects. He started his professional journey in 1988, racking up 16 consecutive wins before his first defeat. One of his most memorable victories came in 2007 when he knocked out unbeaten Kiwi Shane Cameron, a result that boosted his profile—and his bank account.

Lateef Kayode – $5 Million
Lateef Kayode was a formidable force in the cruiserweight division. In 2015, he challenged for the WBA title, and throughout his career, he built a reputation for explosive power. One of his early career highlights was a knockout victory over Edward Charles Perry in 2003. Calm and composed in the ring, Kayode’s punching power was anything but.

Efe Ajagba – $2 Million
Still actively competing, Efe Ajagba remains one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes in the heavyweight division. The 30-year-old boasts a professional record of 20 wins, including 14 knockouts. A bronze medalist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and gold medalist at the 2015 African Games, Ajagba turned professional in 2017. His recent draw with Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia showcased his grit, and he remains in contention for a future title shot.

Helen Joseph – Estimated $2 Million
Helen Joseph, widely known as The Princess of Africa, made her mark in women’s boxing. She challenged twice for the IBF featherweight title and claimed world titles from the WBF, IBF, and GBU across five weight classes. Joseph launched her professional career with a win in Lagos and captured her first major belt in 2008, defeating Mable Mulenga for the WIBF Intercontinental bantamweight crown. Her legacy as one of Nigeria’s top female fighters remains intact.