A UK boxing-for-development organisation has joined forces with Nigerian partners to use the sport as a platform for peacebuilding, youth empowerment and violence prevention in Nigeria. Empire Fighting Chance has partnered with the Peace Initiative Network (PIN) and the Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to bring its programme model to the country.
Founder Martin Bisp shared the details during a visit to the SWAN Secretariat in Abeokuta. He said SWAN was selected as a partner because of its standing and its shared goal of improving the lives of young people.
Bisp explained that the initiative employs boxing as a structured activity supported by psychology, aiming to engage young people who are caught up in gangs, violence and mental health challenges. The programme’s focus is to help participants stay connected to education, build pathways into employment and gradually distance themselves from harmful surroundings.
He added that boxing gyms offer a welcoming setting designed to reduce social barriers. While only a small number of those involved go on to pursue competitive boxing, Bisp stressed that thousands still benefit from the discipline, mentoring and personal development that come with the training environment.
According to Bisp, the project began in Bristol, England, before growing into a network of roughly 150 partner organisations across the UK. It is also active in Canada, and Nigeria is now being targeted as the next country to adopt a similar sustainable approach.
As part of the groundwork for the new push, the delegation arrived with seven suitcases of boxing equipment. The items were donated by former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to support the programme’s launch.
Matchroom Boxing’s Head of Community Development, Alex [surname not provided], said the visit was an honour. He noted that the donated gloves, punch pads, gum shields and other training materials will enable PIN to begin putting the programme into practice immediately following training sessions.
Alex also praised Joshua as a positive role model for young people, and said the visit held extra meaning because the boxer’s family roots trace back to Ogun State.
PIN facilitator Femi Sodipo said the partnership is set to elevate Abeokuta as a key city for peacebuilding through sport. He pointed out that the city is already hosting Nigeria’s first non-contact boxing programme. Sodipo also revealed that PIN has been tasked with coordinating the inaugural SWAN National Peace Cup.
Ogun SWAN Chairman Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji reiterated the association’s commitment to advancing peace through responsible sports journalism. He called for stronger collaborations with international organisations, arguing that exchange and training programmes would help build capacity among Nigerian sports reporters.
