Chris Eubank Jr is in negotiations to fight in Nigeria this December, according to Balmoral Promotions founder Ezekiel Adamu. The 36-year-old British middleweight visited the country in June to assess his next steps following a defeat to rival Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November. He has not returned to the ring since that loss.
Adamu hosted the son of Chris Eubank Sr during his trip to Nigeria last month, where Eubank was mobbed during a walk through the streets of Mushin. Eubank also posted "watch this space" on social media while in Lagos.
Eubank will not feature in Lagos on Friday, when home favourite Taiwo Agbaje faces South Africa's Ayabonga Sonjika and WBO Africa cruiserweight champion Godday Appah takes on Lekan Muibi. However, Adamu considers Eubank the most realistic and attainable short-term target for a fight in Nigeria. Bringing the boxer to the country was emotional for Adamu, who described Eubank as being as big as it comes.
"Chris is as big as it comes. We've had big superstars, but for Chris to come here, it was actually emotional for me to get this guy," Adamu told the Press Association. "We're looking at him coming here for a fight in December. We're still in negotiations, but that's coming along nicely."
Adamu explained that the visit was necessary to show Eubank their operations and secure required financial and political backing. "We had to bring him over here to see what we're doing, to meet the right people, to get the government support and get to meet the sponsors that are going to pay for the event, but exciting times ahead," Adamu added.
Contract disputes and future fight targets
Eubank previously insisted he was a "free agent", but promoter Ben Shalom claimed the Brit was in a long-term contract with Boxxer. Sky Sports News has contacted Boxxer for comment regarding his status. Meanwhile, Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian said Jake Paul will 100% be returning to the ring and has Eubank, Francis Ngannou, and Ryan Garcia all in his sights.
Adamu has also made clear his desire to bring British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma to Nigeria. Lawrence Okolie fought on a Balmoral Promotions show in December, while Tony Yoka has also fought in the country. Adamu held discussions with Joshua's Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn before the former two-time heavyweight champion was involved in a car crash in Nigeria at the end of 2025.
Balmoral Promotions is drawing up a hefty shortlist of other big names for coming years. Adamu confirmed he is speaking with Deontay Wilder, who is keen to fight in Nigeria after discovering his roots are from the country. He is also speaking with Michael Ofo to see if Fabio Wardley can fight there in the future, alongside discussions involving Daniel Dubois.
"The options are endless for us here in Africa and at some point we'll see them," Adamu said. "We've had Lawrence Okolie fight here, Tony Yoka fight here and hopefully we should have Chris Eubank Jr fight here at some point this year, so exciting times for African boxing."
