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

With celebrity fights reportedly paying up to N50m in Nigeria, the growing spectacle has sparked debate over fair pay and its impact on professional boxing, as promoters argue it is attracting new audiences and investment. Traditionally, boxing cards have the biggest bouts headline, with the main event occurring at the end. However, celebrity boxing is challenging this convention in Nigeria, as fights featuring entertainers increasingly compete for top billing and financial rewards.

The October 1 Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos saw celebrity showdowns generate the most buzz, as skit maker Carter Efe claimed victory over rapper Speed Darlington and BBNaija winner Phyna defeated actress Nkechi Blessing by knockout. The financial appeal of celebrity boxing is highlighted by Phyna's N50m reward from Worldstreet.

Former boxer Rasheed Idowu expressed concern over the disparity in earnings, stating that professional boxers are not being valued by promoters. Bolatito "Black Tito" Oluwole suggested that promoters must treat celebrity involvement as a business. Promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu defends the practice, arguing that celebrities are essential for attracting crowds and funding professional boxers.