Floyd Mayweather has stated that he intends to open a boxing facility in Nigeria to train young fighters.
According to the BBC, the former five-weight world champion – from super-featherweight to light-middleweight – said this during a meeting with Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation in Abuja.
While Nigeria’s potential in the sport may be long-term, the 45-year-old, who retired from professional boxing after a successful 21-year career, said the ultimate goal is to find the next Mayweather.
Mayweather said he wanted to meet with the minister because they shared a common aim of developing Nigeria’s youth, and that the minister’s cooperation may be crucial in realizing his dream of establishing the academy.
“All we want to do is aid.” It’s all about giving back and assisting the next generation of youth. For the kids, I want to construct a boxing camp. Mayweather stated that “other American trainers would come over and work with them.”
Mayweather, who will face Don Moore in an exhibition match in Dubai on May 14th, says he would like to return to Nigeria.
“I couldn’t think of a better destination to visit before going to Dubai than Nigeria.” I really anticipate returning to Nigeria to train and further my legacy. In Africa, I’ve visited Johannesburg, Morocco, Egypt, and now Nigeria.
“And, perhaps, I’ll manage to tour every country in Africa before I go.” It’s such a lovely spot. “There’s nothing like African love,” he stated of the love shown to him by Africans around the world.
Amaechi believes that the Nigerian federal government will support any program aimed at attracting more talent to the country while simultaneously creating jobs.
From his 50 victories, Mayweather had 27 knockouts.
Nigeria has won six Olympic boxing medals thus far, including three silvers and three bronzes.
