Anambra Set to Host the Biggest WBF Heavyweight Boxing Match

By Ikemefuna Asika

Almost sixty years after the rumble in the jungle boxing match between two American heavyweight boxers, late Mohammed Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, Anambra State has been chosen to host another heavyweight boxing clash.

The fight will between Nigeria’s Taiwo Agbaje and French boxer Thomas Masin.

This was disclosed by a prominent Turkey based licensed boxing promoter, Emma Emenogu while briefing SWAN members in Awka, Anambra State.

The bout tagged ‘Solution bout’ which is expected to take place later in October this year at the Solution Fun City, is the first of it’s kind to be staged in Anambra State and Nigeria.

Emenogu stated that the choice of Anambra State for the event was because it is accessible to the world with a functional airport, conducive hospitality environment and rich cultural history which will be a delight to visitors from across the globe.

‘It will definitely mark a significant milestone because this is the first of it’s kind to be hosted in Southeast and Nigeria in general and the second in the entire Africa’.

He noted that the bout which is expected to attract viewers from all over the world with estimated 120 million in the United States alone will change the negative narratives about insecurity in the Southeast.

‘It will showcase the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Anambra and Southeast and counter negative perceptions about the alleged insecurity in the area.

This is an opportunity to send a strong message that our people are peaceful and hospitable’ he said.

On the timing of the event which is close to November 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election, Emenogu stated that all the boxing bodies associated with the fight- World Boxing Federation (WBF), Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) etc approved the date for fight and it has nothing to do with the election or politics.

The project coordinator for the event, Odira Eze stated that the event is to showcase the hospitality and entertainment potentials of Anambra State.

He pointed out that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is a sports loving governor and had invested heavily on world class facilities which provided the right atmosphere for such international fight.

‘Anambra is going to have the world in the State and our governor, Prof. Soludo will be the chief host’ he stated.