Recognising the potential of boxing to unite and inspire, the Balmoral Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate through one of its subsidiary, Game Rush, a leading sports and entertainment cum 360-event solutions company, is set to host its maiden edition of ‘Chaos in the Ring’ showdown, an event featuring electrifying live boxing matches and a viewing experience of the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois clash.
In what would be considered a groundbreaking move, Balmoral Group’s Game Rush is set take game of fisticuffs in Nigeria to unprecedented heights. This innovative initiative, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Balmoral Group, Dr Ezekiel Adamu said is poised to transform the sport, providing a platform for Nigerian boxers to showcase their skills and compete at the international level.
According to him, the move is Balmoral’s Game Rush aim and response to create a sustainable boxing ecosystem that fosters talent development, entertainment, and economic growth.
The showdown which will take place today at 3:00pm, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, will see challenger Nurudeen Salawu (50kg) step into the ring on face-off against the reigning National Superweight Champion, Best Sifon Iwatt, while Michael Godwin (90.2kg) will square up agsinst Meschack Agba (90.1kg) in the National Cruiserweight Challenge, which promise to be an unforgettable match.
Rasheed Adeyemo (72.1kg) Vs Lateef Azeez (74kg) take on each other in the three minutes, three-round National Middleweight Challenge. Omolola Ayodeji (54kg) will trade fisticuffs against Joy Nene Ojo (52kg) in the National Female Super Bantamweight Challenge.
Akintunde Abolade (62kg) will be up against Yusuf Ogunbunmi (65kg) in the
National Light Welterweight Challenge, just as Segun Afiku (71kg) Vs Kazeem Lawal (71kg) battles for
National Super Welterweight title, while Basit Adebayo (64kg) Vs Ridwan Abdulazeez (62kg) will trade the gloves in the National Lightweight Challenge.
Ahead of the boxing matches, Game Rush on Friday, September 20, held a weigh-in ceremony for the athletes, giving fans a preview of the intensity to expect. The weigh-in brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in sports, including former Director-General of the Nigerian Sports Commission and a respected figure in FIFA and CAF, Dr. Amos Adamu; President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control and Nigeria Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, and Vice President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control and Nigeria Supporters Club, Prince Ade-Oloofin, among others.
Speaking at the event, the GCEO of Balmoral Group, Dr Ezekiel Adamu, said, “At Balmoral, we always pride ourselves on redefining experiences across every sector we touch. Now, through Game Rush’s ‘Chaos in the Ring’, we are doing the same for boxing, and giving back to the community.”
“As a nation, boxing has brought us international glory, yet it remains underrepresented at home. With this event, our goal is to elevate boxing to its rightful place as a mainstream entertainment force in Nigeria, a sport that commands the attention and passion it deserves,” he added.
The weigh-in featured medicals, intense face-offs, and pictures with their opponents. Tensions were high during the face-off, with Iwatt confidently stating, “Tomorrow, I’m going to show you that I’m a world-class best, and you will know that I’m not joking.”
A driving force for innovation in the sports industry, Balmoral Group’s Game Rush is committed to supporting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of athletes and sports lovers.
