Arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time is set to reinvest his millions of dollars back into the sport of boxing but this time in Nigeria. There is a challenge to take on the most populous country in Africa but it is one that Mayweather is looking forward to and one that he is relishing. So, can he inspire the next generation of boxers to come out of Nigeria?
Nigeria and boxing
Nigeria and boxing have a strange relationship. The country has produced some brilliant fighters such as Dick Tiger, Henry Akinwande, Samuel Peter and of course Hogan Bassey the first boxer of Nigerian descent to become a world boxing champion.
The sport was incredibly popular in the country but recently there has been a slump with boxing dropping down the list of interest for the Nigerian public. Football which was neck a neck with boxing has now become the clear favourite. It has dropped so low it does not qualify for major championships.
So Mayweather does have his work cut out to bring the popularity of the sport back to where it was.
Current boxers
In Nigeria, there is one standout boxer and that is Efe Ajagba. The man claims to punch harder than Tyson Fury and he has the stats to back it up as well. At just 28 he has had 16 fights, won 15 and lost just once. Out of those 15 wins he has stopped his opponent 12 times. In his fifth fight, against Dell Long in Missisippi, he knocked him out in just 35 seconds.
Mayweather must use Ajagba as the inspiration to the next generation of boxers and show them that a young man from Ughelli who used to be a baker can fight in countries like America and Scotland for the commonwealth games where he took home bronze.
He could also use UK boxer Anthony Joshua, who fights again on 23rd July against Oleksandr Usyk and new bookies in the UK still make Joshua the favourite, as Joshua is very proud of his Nigerian ancestry.
Where is the academy based?
Money Mayweather visited the Nigerian capital Abjua to discuss plans with the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi who is a big supporter of giving the youth a chance and empowering them to build a better future for the country.
It is undecided where the academy is based but there could be several set up around the country as the 45 year old is keen to build a legacy and give the youth a chance just like Amaechi.
The former undefeated world champion stated his intentions to help and find the next…well him!
“The ultimate plan is to find the next Mayweather” he said, “We just want to help. It’s all about giving back, helping the youths and the young generation coming up. I want to build a boxing camp for the kids. Different American trainers will come over and work with them.”
Mayweather is wanting to help Nigeria and expressed his love for the country and the continent of Africa. Keep an eye out for the next Nigerian boxing talent emerging in the next 10 years and they will probably have been trained at the Floyd Mayweather boxing academy.
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