Boxing
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S BOUT WITH TYSON FURY IN SAUDI ARABIA NOW DOUBTFUL

Tyson Fury has been ordered to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time, casting doubt over a proposed August super bout with Anthony Joshua.
Fury, 32, won the WBC world heavyweight title from Wilder in a rematch in February 2020 after an initial draw.
The pair were due to fight again but delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic prompted Fury to seek an alternative.
On Monday a US judge ruled in mediation that Wilder has a right to face Fury for a third time before 15 September.
The American’s team had long argued their fighter had a contractual right to a third fight with Fury.
But after delays caused by the pandemic led to a July 2020 contest being postponed, Wilder’s team sought to move the bout to 2021.
Fury refused the 2021 date and said he would move on. That prompted mediation overseen by American judge Daniel Weinstein, who has now sided with Wilder and set a 15 September deadline for a third contest.
“Until we can reach an accommodation with Deontay Wilder’s people, I can’t say that [Fury’s fight with Joshua] will definitely happen,” Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.
“But we are working hard to get that over the line. We were talking last night and hopefully we can do that. If not then Tyson, if he wishes, will go to the fight with Wilder. They’re the only two options.”
Fury’s US promoters Top Rank did not wish to comment on the development when contacted by BBC Sport.
Just 24 hours before Monday’s arbitration hearing, Fury confirmed he had agreed to fight fellow Briton Joshua – holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO belts – for all four heavyweight world titles in Saudi Arabia on 14 August.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also said several times that the August bout was in place, with terms agreed.
The mediation outcome does not necessarily mean a Fury-Joshua fight cannot take place in August but fresh deals will now need to be struck for it to do so.
That could mean Wilder being offered money to allow Fury-Joshua to take place.
“It’ll cost quite a bit of money. He will want as much as possible so I think it’ll be about the negotiation if we go down that road,” said Warren.
Saudi authorities are reportedly putting forward around £106m just to stage the Fury-Joshua contest.
Pay-per-view sales and ticket sales will serve to substantially add to the total revenue of the contest.
If it goes ahead, Joshua versus Fury will be the first bout in heavyweight history where all four world titles are on the line.
Just 24 hours after Fury said he had been in conversation with Saudi organisers and agreed to seal the deal, this Wilder news will come as a blow.
How big of a blow is not yet clear.
With so much money to be made from Joshua v Fury, one would think a deal will be struck with Wilder whereby he steps aside and perhaps even gets told he can face the winner in 2022.
It may suit him to do so given he can pocket a sizeable sum and prepare against an opponent of his choosing short-term – he has been out of the ring for 15 months.
There were already countless moving parts to a Joshua-Fury deal, with three promoters, several broadcasters, four sanctioning bodies and a host venue all needing to co-operate to get the fight done.
But any postponement would be highly damaging for the sport given so many fans from outside boxing’s hardcore support will tune in to watch it. It is a golden opportunity to draw new people into the sport, and fights with such a crossover appeal are rare.
-Reuters
Boxing
Bet9ja’s Grassroots Initiatives — Building Dreams from the Ground Up

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
For over a decade, Bet9ja has extended its reach beyond sports betting to touch real lives through the Bet9ja Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowerment, education, and youth development.
At the heart of its mission is a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not — and that Nigerian youth deserve access to both.
Key initiatives include:
- Sports Infrastructure Renewal: Through strategic partnerships, Bet9ja has supported the renovation of local sporting facilities — from football fields to boxing gyms — providing safe spaces where young Nigerians can train, dream, and compete.
- Scholarships and Skill Development: The Foundation offers scholarships and vocational training programs aimed at equipping youths with tools for self-reliance, whether in sports, technology, or entrepreneurship.
- Grassroots Sports Talent Hunt: Partnering with schools and local councils, Bet9ja scouts and supports emerging athletes, offering mentorship, exposure, and funding to help them reach professional levels.
- Community Uplift Projects: From orphanage donations to environmental clean-ups and women’s empowerment programs, Bet9ja continues to use its platform to strengthen communities nationwide.
The Itauma partnership is the latest chapter in this vision — combining global inspiration with local action. As Mrs. Olatunji put it, “We’re not just betting on sport. We’re betting on Nigeria’s future.”
The Naija Power in His Punch
Though raised in Europe, Itauma never shies away from his Nigerian roots. He says the “Naija power” fuels him in every bout. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight,” he said with a smile. “There are a lot of fighters around the world who are Nigerian — you can feel that strength. It’s in the blood.”
Indeed, from Anthony Joshua to Efe Ajagba, Nigerian fighters have become a global force in heavyweight boxing. But Itauma is determined to carve his own lane.
“I respect those who came before me,” he said. “But I don’t want to be ‘the next someone’. I want to be me. That’s what I’m trying to say — I want to be Moses Itauma.”
That identity, both personal and cultural, is what this homecoming celebrates. A young man shaped by three continents — Europe, Africa, and the wider sporting world — is learning that his greatest power may lie not just in his fists, but in his story.
Dreaming of a Nigerian Fight Night
For fans, the question is inevitable: will Moses ever fight on Nigerian soil?
His response was instant: “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria — that’s a dream. There’s so much talent here, and the atmosphere would be incredible.”
If realised, it could be a watershed moment — a globally broadcast fight night in Lagos, headlined by a young star returning home, uniting a nation through sport. For Bet9ja, that’s precisely the kind of vision they hope to help materialise.
Rediscovering Heritage, Reclaiming Identity
For all the bright lights and brand partnerships, Itauma’s reflections remain deeply personal. Growing up in Europe, he often felt a quiet distance from his roots.
“Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria,” he admitted. “When this opportunity came along, I thought — this is the right time. The right moment to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons I’m here is to reconnect 100% with my heritage.”
That reconnection — emotional, cultural, and symbolic — is at the core of his visit.
It’s not unusual for children of the diaspora to wrestle with questions of belonging. But for Itauma, the answer now feels clear: he belongs everywhere Nigeria’s spirit thrives.
Beyond Boxing: The Bigger Picture
For Bet9ja, Itauma’s story is a mirror reflecting what’s possible when Nigerian talent is nurtured and celebrated. The partnership speaks to a larger mission — one that goes beyond sponsorships to social investment and youth empowerment.
By linking a world-class athlete with local initiatives, Bet9ja hopes to ignite a chain reaction — inspiring young Nigerians to dream boldly, while giving them platforms to act on those dreams.
Born to Win, Bred Naija Style
As the Lagos skyline glows into evening and Itauma continues his homecoming tour, his words linger: “This is more than a visit.”
Indeed, it is. It’s a reminder that victory isn’t only measured by belts or scorecards — but by roots rediscovered, bridges rebuilt, and dreams reignited.
For Moses Itauma, Born to Win is more than a motto. It’s the story of a fighter whose heart beats to the rhythm of home — strong, fearless, and forever Naija style.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Boxing
Born to Win, Bred Naija Style: Moses Itauma Returns to Nigeria with Bet9ja

Heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma has returned to Nigeria in partnership with Bet9ja, marking an important homecoming that connects his international career with his Nigerian heritage.
At just 20 years of age, Itauma has already gained recognition as one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. His visit is designed not only to reconnect him with his roots but also to inspire young Nigerians, support grassroots sports, and highlight the role of Nigerian heritage in global sport.
Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting brand, is at the centre of this partnership, emphasising its commitment to the development of talent and the celebration of Nigerian excellence.
Mrs Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager at Bet9ja, said: “Moses carries Africa in his heart and Nigeria in his DNA. Through this partnership, we’re celebrating not just his boxing career, but the unstoppable Nigerian spirit.”






Speaking at a media session in Lagos, Itauma reflected on the significance of returning home.
“This is more than a visit – it’s a chance to celebrate where I come from, to stand with my people, and to show the world what it means to be Born to Win. Bred Naija Style,” he said.
Itauma, who was born in Slovakia to Nigerian parents and raised in the UK, explained that the trip offered an opportunity to learn more about his heritage. “The journey so far hasn’t been a long one to be honest, obviously I’m only 20 years old, but I’m forever staying curious, I’m forever learning. Every city, every country I go to, I always learn something different. Coming here, I’m just glad to learn about the culture, my culture, and gain experience too.”
As part of the partnership, Itauma will engage in a series of cultural and sporting activities throughout the week. A key highlight will be a visit to a Lagos boxing facility, where he will meet young athletes. Plans are also underway to renovate and reopen a local boxing gym in collaboration with the Bet9ja Foundation, creating opportunities for grassroots talent to train and develop.
“The partnership is not just about sending a message but about being hands-on with the development of young athletes. Nigeria is full of untapped potential, and it’s about executing real opportunities for the next generation,” Itauma explained.
When asked about Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for producing elite fighters, Itauma acknowledged the strength of his background. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight. There are a lot of fighters around the world that obviously are Nigerian,” he said.
Referencing boxers like Anthony Joshua and others with Nigerian roots, Itauma stressed the importance of creating his own identity. “I want to be a person, not someone else. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
With a record of fast knockouts early in his professional career, questions were raised about when Itauma might step up to challenge the top heavyweights. He responded with patience.
“My job is just to get in the ring and fight. Everything that’s outside the ring, making fights happen, that’s down to the team. I still have a lot of time on my hands.”
On the possibility of fighting in Nigeria, Itauma was enthusiastic. “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria. There’s a lot of talent here,” he confirmed.
Itauma also explained why the Bet9ja partnership was significant to him personally. “Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria. When this came along, I said, It’s a good time to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons for me 100% discover my heritage.”
The homecoming marks more than just a symbolic return. It blends sports, culture, and community engagement, with Bet9ja positioning itself as a partner in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians through sports.
As Itauma continues to rise in international boxing, his commitment to his Nigerian roots and the potential of the country’s youth remain central to his journey.
Boxing
Dr Amos Adamu’s son set to bring Anthony Joshua’s fight to Nigeria

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is set to make his long-awaited homecoming fight in Nigeria in early 2026, according to Nigerian promoter, Dr Ezekiel Adamu, a serial entrepreneur, investor and son of Nigerian sports administration legend, Dr Amos Adamu..
Adamu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group, revealed that discussions with Joshua’s camp had been positive and that plans are underway to stage the bout at the 50,000-capacity Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Speaking to The Punch, the promoter disclosed that Joshua has always expressed his desire to fight in Nigeria before the end of his career.
“I spoke with him, I spoke with his team, and they already said to me, ‘If we had an offer from Nigeria, it’s a match made in heaven,’” Adamu said.
He added: “Joshua has always said that before he ends his career, he wants to fight in Nigeria, and we are going to make that fight happen.”
The proposed fight, expected in the first quarter of 2026, would likely feature Joshua against another African opponent. Adamu hinted at possible names, including France’s Tony Yoka, Congo’s Martin Bakole, and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, who also has Nigerian heritage.
The promoter dismissed rumours that Ghana could host Joshua’s African debut. “I heard rumours about Joshua fighting in Ghana, and I laughed it off because, for me, where is the story in there? Joshua is Nigerian. Now we have a big promotion, and Nigeria is the biggest market. It’s a no-brainer for Joshua to fight in Nigeria,” he insisted.
Joshua, born in Watford, England, spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and proudly wears a tattoo of the country’s outline on his right shoulder.
Adamu maintained that Nigeria has both the infrastructure and the market to become a hub for global boxing.
“We’ve got the population, we’ve got the infrastructure, and we’ve got the technical know-how. This is just the start. October 1 (Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos) is only a sneak peek of what we can make happen,” he told The Punch.
Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, had previously suggested the possibility of staging a fight in Africa, but Adamu’s plan now appears to be the most concrete yet. If successful, the 2026 bout would mark a historic milestone for African boxing and pave the way for more high-profile contests on the continent.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
-     World Cup1 week ago World Cup1 week agoVictor Osimhen qualifies South Africa for World Cup as Super Eagles go for Play-Off 
-     FIFA RANKING4 days ago FIFA RANKING4 days agoNigeria Jumps Four Places in New FIFA Rankings; Stirs Optimism in Local Football Circles 
-     Nigerian Football1 week ago Nigerian Football1 week agoSerial offenders, Kano Pillars Fined ₦9.5m, Banished to Katsina 
-     CAF Champions League3 days ago CAF Champions League3 days agoTwo Decades After Their Defeat, Mamelodi Sundowns Return to Abeokuta 
-     AFCON7 days ago AFCON7 days agoTinubu Hails Super Eagles’ Spirit, Assures Support Ahead of World Cup Play-Offs 
-     CAF Champions League2 days ago CAF Champions League2 days agoRemo Stars Host Mamelodi Sundowns in Crucial CAF Champions League Showdown 
-     CAF Champions League3 days ago CAF Champions League3 days agoBlack Bulls Edge Rivers United 1–0 in CAF Champions League Clash 
-     World Cup7 days ago World Cup7 days agoFour Matches, Five Months, One Dream: Nigeria’s Grueling Route to the 2026 World Cup