Abeokuta equipped: Joshua kit donation strengthens community boxing legacy in Nigeria

Fresh from his emphatic victory over Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a substantial donation of boxing equipment, including around 60 pairs of gloves, 20 pairs of focus pads, resistance bands and mouthguards, was gifted on behalf of Anthony Joshua and Clean Herts Community during a Peace in Our Cities exchange in Abeokuta, Ogun State, providing local organisations with the tools they need to deliver sustainable boxing programmes.

On behalf of the visiting international delegation, Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, formally presented the equipment to the President of the Ogun State Boxing Association and Dr. Michael Olufemi Sodipo from the Peace Initiative Network, who will oversee its distribution to community clubs and organisations best placed to maximise its impact across the region.

While the equipment itself will make an immediate difference, its greatest value lies in the opportunities it will continue to create for years to come. By placing high-quality resources into the hands of trusted local stakeholders, the donation helps ensure the impact of the exchange extends far beyond the five-day visit.

Reflecting on the wider impact of the initiative, Alex Le Guével explained why empowering local organisations is central to every international exchange.

“Creating a lasting legacy is just as important as delivering activity while we’re here,” stated Le Guével.

“By leaving behind quality equipment alongside the knowledge and skills we’ve shared this week, local organisations can continue using boxing to create opportunities for young people long into the future,” he continued.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Anthony Joshua and Clean Herts Community for their generosity. Everywhere we’ve travelled this week, the pride people have in AJ has been clear. He’s not only a champion in the ring, but a champion for his community and his homeland.”

One of the delighted recipients was Mosunmola Yinka Adeoti, IBA 2-star Coach and International Technical Official (ITO) with the Nigerian Boxing Federation, who praised the impact the donation will have on boxing programmes across Ogun State.

“We just want to say a big thank you to Anthony Joshua for the great things he’s doing,” beamed Adeoti.

“This gift means so much to us – and we can assure him that this equipment will get to the grassroots, to those who really need it. This is going to impact us in a great, great way,” she continued.

“Here in Abeokuta, we are always rooting for Anthony Joshua. We love him so much and he should always count on us. We will be proudly repping AJBXNG anytime, any day. Thank you, Joshua!”

The donation formed part of a wider City Exchange Programme, which brought together partners from Empire Fighting Chance, Bristol, UK and the Peace Initiative Network, Abeokuta, Nigeria, to share knowledge and explore how sport and locally led peacebuilding can help build safer, more cohesive communities

Held in Anthony Joshua’s home region of Ogun State, the exchange highlighted not only the importance of giving back to the places that shaped him, but also the value of working alongside trusted local partners.

The Peace Initiative Network’s pioneering work across Abeokuta and wider Nigeria – bringing communities together to prevent cultism, promote inclusion and empower young people – provided invaluable insight throughout the week and reinforced the power of locally led solutions to complex social challenges.

Participants were introduced to Empire’s globally recognised non-contact boxing programme, learning the principles behind its psychologically-informed approach and how boxing can be used as a powerful tool to improve wellbeing, build resilience and create positive opportunities for young people and communities.

The learning was then immediately brought to life as local young people joined the group for an afternoon practical session, giving participants the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into practice under the guidance of the Empire coaching team.

The session demonstrated how non-contact boxing can be delivered safely, inclusively and with purpose, equipping local practitioners with the confidence and knowledge to begin delivering the programme within their own communities.

Throughout the week, the delegation also met with traditional and spiritual leaders, sports journalists, community organisations, state government officials and local dignitaries – including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo – sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships and demonstrating the role sport can play in creating safer, more peaceful communities.

While the coaching sessions provided valuable learning and inspiration, the equipment donation ensures the impact will continue long after the exchange concludes.

Providing high-quality equipment gives local organisations the practical tools needed to deliver regular sessions, welcome more participants and continue using boxing to improve lives within their own communities.

Reflecting on their donation, Nikita Joshua, Director and Project Leader at Clean Herts Community, highlighted the shared commitment to creating a lasting legacy by equipping those delivering boxing on the ground with the tools they need to continue making a difference.

“We’re delighted to partner with Matchroom to help take the work of Clean Herts Community overseas, particularly to Nigeria,” said Joshua.

“Our mission has always been to support communities, create opportunities and reach people who need a helping hand. Being able to do that through boxing, alongside partners who share those same values, makes this project incredibly special,” she continued.

“We hope this equipment helps open doors for more young people, strengthens the fantastic work already happening – and shows what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose.”

The generosity shown by Anthony Joshua and his team resonated deeply throughout the visit. Even while preparing for and securing victory over in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, AJ ensured that young people and community groups in his homeland would benefit from equipment capable of making a lasting difference.

The initiative also reflects Matchroom Boxing’s ongoing commitment to using boxing as a force for good around the world.

With a truly global footprint, Matchroom is able to partner with organisations from the UK, Nigeria and the United States, supporting innovative collaborations that strengthen grassroots boxing, empower local organisations and showcase the sport’s ability to tackle wider social challenges.

By combining world-class expertise, international collaboration and meaningful investment in local communities, partnerships and programmes like these are helping ensure boxing continues to inspire hope, create opportunity and build safer communities across the globe.