Nigeria has produced several world-renowned boxers who have accumulated substantial wealth from the sport, with seven fighters standing out as the richest Nigerian pugilists of all time.
Anthony Joshua – $267 million
Joshua is the most famous Nigerian boxer in the world today. The two-time heavyweight world champion began his boxing career in 2008 at the age of 18, won Olympic gold in 2012, turned professional later that year, and captured his first heavyweight title in 2016.
With a record of 32 fights, 28 wins (25 by knockout), and four losses, the British-Nigerian has held the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles twice. His earnings have increased by a whopping $24 million from last year alone, cementing his position as one of the highest-paid boxers globally.
The boxing sensation reportedly earned around $35 million for his second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou and banked approximately $29 million following his defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September.
Gbenga Oluokun – $16 million
As a heavyweight contender, Oluokun faced former world champions including Manuel Charr, Lamon Brewster, Kubrat Pulev, Robert Helenius, Carlos Takam, Vyacheslav Glazkov, and Mariusz Wach.
He captured gold at the All-Africa Games in Abuja and won 16 professional fights during his career.
Samuel Peter – $5 million
Known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Peter started training at age 11 and won the Nigerian amateur heavyweight championship as well as the Africa Zone 3 heavyweight championship. Turning professional in 2001, he defeated Dale Crowe for the vacant WBC Youth heavyweight title and later won the NABF heavyweight title by defeating Jeremy Williams in 2004.
Despite suffering defeats to the Klitschko brothers, Peter’s aggressive style and knockout power earned him substantial purses throughout his career.
Friday Ahunanya – $5 million
Ahunanya built his reputation as a spoiler, defeating several undefeated prospects during his career which began in 1988. Known for his appearances on ESPN fight cards, he won his first 16 fights before suffering his first defeat.
His most notable victory came in 2007 with a knockout win over previously undefeated New Zealand prospect Shane Cameron.
Lateef Kayode – $5 million
The cruiserweight challenged for the WBA cruiserweight title in 2015. Kayode’s notable victories include a knockout of American Edward Charles Perry in 2003, sending Perry to the canvas in the sixth round with his relaxed ring demeanour masking his explosive power.
Efe Ajagba – $2 million
The 30-year-old heavyweight remains active in the sport with a record of 20 wins (14 by knockout), one loss, and one draw following his recent majority draw with Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia. Ajagba won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 All-African Games before turning professional in 2017.
Despite bookmakers favouring his opponent in his latest bout, Ajagba proved his resilience and continues pursuing a world title shot in a division currently ruled by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Helen Joseph – Estimated $2 million
Known as “The Princess of Africa,” Joseph challenged twice for the IBF female featherweight title in 2012 and 2015. She held three different boxing titles: the WBF, IBF, and GBU, competing across five weight classes from flyweight to super featherweight.
Her professional debut victory came in Lagos, and she secured her first major title by defeating Mable Mulenga for the vacant WIBF Intercontinental bantamweight title in Zambia in 2008.
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