London, United Kingdom —
In a strategic move set to elevate Africa’s presence on the global boxing stage, Chief Adeyemi Adeyemo, Board Director of the World Boxing Body (WBB) for the Africa Region, has confirmed plans to host an international boxing faceoff in the United Kingdom between reigning African champion Tyson Kill Olagbade Sulaimon and a foreign opponent, ahead of a landmark international title fight scheduled to take place in Nigeria during OtaFEST 2026.
The UK faceoff, slated for April 2026, will serve as the official international unveiling of the highly anticipated bout, building global momentum and media attention ahead of the main fight, which is expected to be hosted in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, in October 2026 as part of the OtaFEST cultural and sports festival.
A Strategic Global Build-Up for OtaFEST 2026
Chief Adeyemi Adeyemo’s involvement in OtaFEST goes beyond administration. As a long-standing investor and advocate for boxing development in Africa, his role as WBB Africa Board Director positions him as a key facilitator of international collaboration between Africa, Europe, and the global boxing ecosystem.
Through this initiative, Adeyemo is leveraging his position within the World Boxing Body to bridge continents using the UK faceoff as a strategic promotional gateway that aligns international stakeholders, global media, and diaspora audiences with Nigeria’s growing capacity to host world-class sporting events.
“The UK faceoff is not just a pre-event, it is a statement,” a source close to the project noted. “It signals Nigeria’s readiness to host globally relevant boxing events while positioning OtaFEST as a destination platform for international sports tourism.”
OtaFEST × Ogun State Government: A Landmark Public-Private Partnership
Central to this historic development is the official partnership between OtaFEST and the Ogun State Government, executed through the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ogun State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
The collaboration underscores Ogun State’s commitment to leveraging culture and sports as engines for:
- International tourism
- Diaspora engagement
- Youth empowerment
- Global destination branding
Government endorsement of the international boxing match reflects a broader strategy to position Ogun State as a hub for sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, and creative economy growth.
Officials from both ministries have expressed strong support for the initiative, citing its potential to attract international visitors, global broadcasters, sponsors, and investors to the state.
Michael Gomwalk Adebowale: Executive Producer Driving the Vision
At the heart of the project is Michael Gomwalk Adebowale, Executive Producer of OtaFEST and CEO of Hertz Universe PR, whose strategic leadership has driven the festival’s evolution from a cultural celebration into a globally competitive event platform.
Gomwalk Adebowale has been instrumental in structuring the government partnerships, aligning international boxing stakeholders, and positioning OtaFEST as a credible host for a world-class WBB title fight.
Under his leadership, OtaFEST 2026 is being developed as a multi-sector experience, blending culture, sports, tourism, media, and international relations, designed to project Nigeria positively on the world stage.
A Defining Moment for African Boxing
With the UK faceoff setting the tone and Nigeria hosting the main event, the initiative represents a defining moment for African boxing, one that combines global visibility with local impact.
As preparations intensify, all eyes now turn to April in the United Kingdom, where the first official faceoff will ignite international anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of the most significant boxing events Africa will host in 2026.
