British boxing icon Amir Khan has issued a direct plea to rival promoter Eddie Hearn, urging him and others in the sport to 'put egos aside' and collaborate to stage major events in Africa.
From the Ring to Promoting African Talent
The former light-welterweight world champion, who retired three years ago after his defeat to Kell Brook, has transitioned into a full-time boxing promoter. Khan admits the new role is tougher than fighting, but he has embraced the challenge.
His focus is now firmly on developing the sport in Africa, a market he believes has been long overlooked. Following a successful debut card in Ghana earlier in 2025, Khan partnered with Balmoral Group Promotions for a 'Chaos in the Ring' event on Nigerian Independence Day in October.
A Historic Weekend for African Boxing
This Sunday, Khan's mission continues as he joins forces with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions for a major night of boxing in Lagos, Nigeria. The event will be headlined by a heavyweight clash between Lawrence Okolie and Ebenezer Tetteh at the 10,000-capacity Onikan Stadium.
The card aims to capture attention the night after Matchroom Boxing's first-ever African event, featuring Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez, and just 24 hours after the high-profile Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight in Miami.
A Call for Unity Among Promoters
In an exclusive interview, Khan explained the difficulties of promoting in new territories but emphasised the immense potential. "Not a lot of promoters wanted to go there. They were afraid," he stated. "But we took that opportunity... it's always hard, and that's why I believe there's not many promoters that have been to Africa."
Pointing to the collaborative model pioneered by Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh, Khan expressed his desire to work with everyone, including Eddie Hearn. "I have not heard anything from Eddie Hearn," Khan revealed. "But the thing is, I hope we put the egos aside and we give the fans the fights that they want to see."
He concluded with a powerful vision: "Now, Africa was a region that no one looked at. It's nice that we have gone there and we have put it on the map... I know that there is so much talent in Africa and I think that may get a lot of fighters out of poverty to world champions one day."
