Celebrity boxing: Boom for entertainers, bane of professional boxers?

Celebrity boxing events in Nigeria, which can pay up to N50 million, are gaining traction and attracting new audiences while posing challenges to professional boxers. These high-profile fights often overshadow professional bouts, generating significant buzz and financial rewards. For instance, a celebrity match saw skit maker Carter Efe defeat rapper Speed Darlington, while BBNaija winner Phyna knocked out actress Nkechi Blessing, earning a N50 million prize.

This trend has even extended to social media figures, with Afrobeats singer Teni challenging Tiwa Savage to a N1.5 billion fight. Former Universal Boxing Organisation champion Rasheed Idowu expressed concern over the disparity in earnings, stating that celebrities are making far more than professional boxers, despite the hard work put in by the latter.

Idowu acknowledged the need to build one's name and social media presence to attract higher pay. Professional boxer Bolatito "Black Tito" Oluwole also supported the idea of treating celebrity boxing as a business, emphasizing that fans come to watch the celebrities, not the professional boxers. However, some professionals like Idris Gbadamosi believe that the craze should not be seen as a threat, as celebrities have their own platform and pull crowds, while professional boxers must also build their own brand and ticket-selling capabilities.

Promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu of Balmoral Group Promotions defended the celebrity boxing model, arguing that these events help fund professional fighters and bring in the eyeballs needed to make the sport more appealing globally.