Balmoral Hosts Boxing Masterclass in Lagos, Efe Ajagba Urges Young Fighters to Stay Informed

Young Nigerian boxers received valuable insights into the business side of their sport on Wednesday, as Balmoral Group Promotions organised a boxing masterclass at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together key stakeholders in the boxing industry, including Nigeria’s WBC silver heavyweight champion Efe Ajagba, to educate aspiring fighters on how to build successful and sustainable careers.

Dr Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group, underscored the importance of developing a robust domestic boxing scene. He stressed that Nigeria must start hosting high-profile bouts rather than exporting its fighters to compete abroad.

“My dream is for Nigeria to become the hub for major boxing events, not just a country that sends its athletes overseas to fight, and often lose,” Adamu said. “We have talented coaches and boxers here. This masterclass is designed to help build a solid foundation for the sport locally. The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) also has a role to play in raising promoter fees to ensure the sport remains valuable and profitable.”

Efe Ajagba shared his own experience navigating the professional boxing world, warning young fighters about the consequences of signing unfavorable contracts early in their careers.

“I made a mistake by signing a bad deal when I was just starting out,” Ajagba admitted. “It took time and courage to change that. But if you have real passion, setbacks won’t stop you.”

Legal expert Dr Barr. Uzoamaka Orakwue emphasized the importance of education for athletes, saying it equips them to make informed decisions both in and out of the ring.

“Passion alone won’t sustain a career,” she said. “Education empowers boxers to understand contracts and protect their interests. Don’t settle for short-term gains.”

President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to safeguarding boxers. He revealed that all professional fighters are now required to have managers, and that the NBBofC offers legal support for contract reviews, provided agreements are submitted at least seven days before a scheduled fight.

Sports entrepreneur and boxing manager Babatunde Koiki also shared practical advice on athlete management, stressing the importance of aligning with credible and experienced handlers.

Dr Adamu pointed to Ajagba’s journey as a cautionary tale and urged young fighters to do thorough research before signing with managers. “Ajagba left Nigeria at a time when he didn’t have access to this kind of knowledge. You do now, so use it. Work with people who have a track record of success,” he said.

The session drew participation from boxers, trainers, and sports administrators, including Lagos State Sports Commission representative Ifeoluwa Ogunlaja, who pledged the state’s ongoing support for grassroots sports development.