Get Guardian on GoogleNigerian boxing enthusiasts have been offered a chance to enter a $5,000 promotional prize draw ahead of a proposed exhibition contest between former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Australian boxer Matt “The Jedi” Floyd in Bangkok, Thailand.
The contest is being promoted for December 19, 2026, with organisers seeking to attract viewers from Nigeria and other African markets through a pay-per-view campaign.
According to the promoters, fans who purchase access to the event through a designated promotional platform may qualify for the prize draw, subject to the competition’s official rules.
The organisers have fixed November 16, 2026, as the deadline for participation.
Front Row Fight Series, TMT Africa and Floyd Mayweather Promotions are coordinating the promotional activities, with Front Row Fight Series Chief Executive Officer Keane Anis leading the campaign.
The announcement follows Mayweather’s visit to Nigeria, during which he discussed boxing development, youth empowerment and potential business investments on the continent.
The Nigerian campaign forms part of efforts to generate interest in the proposed Bangkok exhibition and expand its international viewership.
According to the organisers, eligible fans who purchase pay-per-view access through the designated promotional portal will be entered into a draw for a $5,000 cash prize.
The offer is intended to encourage participation among Nigerian boxing supporters ahead of the December event.
During an interview in Abuja, Mayweather said his engagement with Nigeria was motivated partly by his desire to encourage young Africans and explore opportunities for supporting emerging talent.
The former world champion acknowledged the support he had received from African boxing fans throughout his career.
“If Floyd Mayweather can do it, you guys can do it too,” he said.
Mayweather encouraged young people to remain focused on their ambitions and develop confidence in their abilities.
He also spoke about his interest in returning to Africa and building stronger relationships with communities across the continent.
According to him, Africa’s cultural influence, natural resources and sporting talent provide development opportunities.
He particularly highlighted the continent’s music and people, describing his visit as an opportunity to strengthen personal and professional connections.
Mayweather’s comments come amid efforts by boxing promoters to expand the sport’s commercial presence in African markets.
Nigeria has produced several internationally recognised professional boxers, although athletes continue to face challenges involving funding, training facilities and access to international competition.
For promoters seeking to develop boxing events on the continent, partnerships with established international figures could help attract attention and investment.
However, the long-term impact of such initiatives will depend on whether they result in sustained opportunities for local athletes.
Mayweather also expressed interest in identifying promising African boxers who could compete internationally.
He said the continent possessed considerable sporting talent and encouraged young athletes to pursue opportunities in professional boxing.
The former champion’s involvement in boxing promotion has continued since he retired from professional competition.
Through exhibition appearances and other commercial activities, Mayweather has remained involved in events that attract audiences beyond conventional championship boxing.
Beyond boxing, Mayweather spoke about possible investments in Africa, particularly in the mining sector.
He said his interest in natural resources was not limited to financial returns but also involved the potential to support communities.
According to the former champion, investments should create opportunities for people living in areas where resources are extracted.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from economic activities taking place around them.
The proposed exhibition is expected to feature Mayweather against Australian fighter Matt Floyd, who is known by the nickname “The Jedi”.
Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing with an unbeaten record of 50 victories, has participated in exhibition contests since leaving competitive championship boxing.
His professional career included world titles across five weight divisions and victories over several prominent opponents.
He remains widely recognised for his defensive technique, ring intelligence and commercial success.
The proposed Bangkok contest would represent another appearance in his post-retirement exhibition career.
Mayweather has expressed confidence ahead of the event and said his opponent is preparing for the contest.
