Amir Khan and Dr Ezekiel Adamu unveil May 1 show in Nigeria

On May 1 in Nigeria, former world champion Amir Khan and Dr Ezekiel Adamu will promote a show that features a hard-hitting cruiserweight clash between Ezra Arenyeka,15-2 (12 KOs) and Godday Appah, 14-2 (13 KOs).

Also, Elvis “The Soldier” Ahorgah, 15-4 (13 KOs) returns to Africa after fights in Britian against the likes of Callum Simpson and Tyler Denny. He fights Newcastle’s outspoken Joe Laws, 15-4 (5 KOs).

Another interesting addition to the bill at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos is Michael McKinson, from Portsmouth, England, who is 6-1 since his 2022 loss to Vergil Ortiz.

Now 27-2 (4 KOs), McKinson faces undefeated Algerian Mohammad Sahnoun, who is 8-0 with six stoppages.

There is more on the card, promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions in association with AK Promotions, including a clash between 19-0 (12 KOs) southpaw Raheem Animashaun and experienced “Sniper Man” Emmanuel Amos, who is 22-10-1 (13 KOs).

Nigerian hopeful Basit Adebayo, 9-0-1 (4 KOs) faces Tanzanian southpaw veteran Loren Japhet, 20-9-3 (4 KOs) and, at middleweight, Nigeria's national middleweight champion who has previously competed in the WBC Grand Prix, Rasheed Adeyemo (16-2, 9 KOs) – faces Tanzania’s Nicolaus Michael Mdoe, 15-8-2 (11 KOs).

There’s also a spot on the bill for UK-based Ghanaian “True Sensation” Samuel Antwi, 18-2 (8 KOs), who meets Congolese fighter Paul Kamanga, 24-3 (13 KOs) at welterweight.

The bout that is likely to capture the most headlines sees a bout of social media stars Carter Efe and Portable – with their combined 10 million followers. 

Khan said of the show: “I’ve been in big fights around the globe, but the passion in Africa is something special. These fighters have heart, skill and fire – now they get to show it on the biggest stage. Lagos is going to be electric.”

Dr Adamu added: “This is Africa’s moment. We’ve built this card to showcase our own talent, the warriors who’ve come through the ranks here in Africa. We’ve teamed up once again with Amir Khan to put Nigeria and the continent of Africa on the map for the world to see.”