The stars are aligning for Nigerian boxing fans as two of the country’s most recognizable diaspora heavyweights; Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye prepare to headline a blockbuster boxing show in Lagos on Friday, December 19, 2025. The event, which will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, marks a powerful return to home soil for the British-based fighters with deep Nigerian roots.
While they won’t be facing each other, both men will appear in separate bouts on a historic card that has already sent excitement rippling through the Nigerian boxing community.
A Return to the Roots
For 31-year-old Lawrence Okolie, born to Nigerian parents in London and proud of his Igbo heritage, this event is more than just another date on the calendar. The former WBO cruiserweight world champion is now competing at heavyweight and coming off a strong performance over Kevin Lerena in July.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting in Nigeria. I’ve always wanted to connect more directly with my roots, and this is the perfect opportunity,” – Lawrence Okolie.
Okolie, known for his rangy power and unorthodox style, currently holds the No. 1 WBC ranking at heavyweight, and while his Lagos fight won’t be a title match, it positions him perfectly for a 2026 world title push.
Joining him on the card is 28-year-old David Adeleye, a rising heavyweight talent born in London to Ekiti State parents. Adeleye is eager to bounce back after a close decision loss to Filip Hrgovic earlier this year and says fighting in Nigeria has been a long-held dream.
“Motí de, mo wa nílé – I’m home,” Adeleye posted on Instagram. “My parents told me stories about Nigeria growing up. Now I get to fight there, in front of my people. It’s emotional.”
The Lagos Fight Night: What We Know
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Nigeria
Fighters on the card: Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye, plus a host of undercard bouts expected to feature local Nigerian talent
Promoters: Queensberry Promotions (UK), Amir Khan Promotions, and Nigerian-based Balmoral Group
While Okolie and Adeleye won’t be squaring off against each other, they remain the key attractions of the night. At the time of this publication, neither fighter’s opponent has been officially confirmed, though promoters promise “fierce international competition.”
Nigerian Boxing on the Rise
This Lagos showcase represents a potential turning point for boxing in Nigeria, a country with a proud history of producing world-class pugilists from Hogan Bassey to Dick Tiger, Samuel Peter to Ike Ibeabuchi.
Promoter Frank Warren, speaking to Ring Magazine, said: “Nigeria has a rich boxing tradition. It’s long overdue that world-class boxing returns to this country in a major way. This is the first of many events we hope to stage here.”
Local fans have long called for top-tier boxing to return to Nigerian soil. While British-Nigerian fighters have flown the flag abroad, the connection between diaspora athletes and the home base hasn’t always translated into in-person appearances. That is changing.
Adeleye’s visit to his parents’ village in Ekiti earlier this year was widely shared on social media, where he trained with local boxers and promised to “carry Nigerian boxing with pride on a global stage.”
A Few Watchouts
Despite the hype, some boxing analysts have raised eyebrows at the matchmaking or lack thereof. Critics suggest that Okolie and Adeleye may not be facing top-ranked opposition, with Boxing News 24 noting: “As of now, both fighters appear to be avoiding difficult challenges. That could disappoint fans expecting elite-level clashes.”
Still, others argue that the significance of this event goes beyond rankings. It’s about visibility, inspiration, and national pride.
What Comes Next?
For Nigerian boxing fans, the Lagos fight night could open new doors; not just for high-profile international fighters, but for homegrown talent waiting for a shot at the spotlight.
Promoters have hinted that local undercard bouts will feature emerging Nigerian boxers, giving them the rare chance to share a platform with global names. If executed well, this could serve as a launchpad for local fighters to break onto the international scene.
Naija Get Ready
December 19 isn’t just another date on the boxing calendar. It’s a celebration of Nigerian excellence at home and abroad. Okolie and Adeleye are not just fighting for wins; they are fighting for identity, legacy, and for a country that has always supported its sons and daughters in the ring.
Naija, get ready. The heavyweights are coming home. Stay tuned to Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive interviews, opponent announcements, and behind-the-scenes training camp coverage as December 19 approaches.