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WBC Africa Champion, Tosin Kejawa, talks about his journey from the streets of Nigeria to the boxing rings of the UK, his challenges, goals, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
Can you share your professional boxing journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in the sport?
It’s been a very challenging journey, but I’m grateful to God, my fans, and loved ones for their support. Initially, I was hoping for a chance to represent my country as an amateur, but when that opportunity didn’t come, I decided to turn pro instead of waiting indefinitely. The start was particularly difficult because many people in Nigeria viewed boxers as unserious individuals. There was a lot of negative talk surrounding the sport. But thankfully, through hard work and perseverance, we’ve managed to change some of those perceptions.
Were kids in the neighbourhood scared of you because you could box?
For the kids in my neighbourhood, it was quite the opposite of them being scared. Many of them actually
wanted to be friends with me. You know how it is when you’re young—you want to be friends with someone who can protect you. So, in a way, my boxing skills made me popular among the local kids.
Did your family support your decision to take boxing as a career?
Initially, my family was not supportive of my boxing career. You see, when I was young, I was quite a stubborn boy, and I grew up in a notorious neighbourhood. My family worried that if I took up boxing, I might use those skills to join the wrong crowd in the area. However, I was determined to follow my passion. I had to convince them and make a promise that I wouldn’t become a bad guy. It took some time, but eventually they decided to give me a chance. Their support, once I earned it, has been invaluable in my journey.
Who are your boxing role models, and how have they influenced your style or approach to the sport?
My role models and idols in boxing are fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Joshua. Their success both in and out of the ring has been a huge inspiration to me. I remember watching a documentary about Mayweather once. Seeing all the championship belts, the luxurious cars, the expensive watches, and the gold chains he had—it really motivated me. I said to myself, I want this. But I also understood that to achieve that level of success, I needed to work incredibly hard in the gym. These champions showed me that with dedication and skill, it’s possible to reach great heights in boxing.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your boxing career, and how did you overcome them?
Some of the major challenges I’ve faced include weight management and sometimes a lack of support. Weight management is crucial in boxing, and it’s not always easy. To overcome this, I’ve learnt to train as hard as I can and maintain a diet of good, nutritious food. As for the lack of support, it’s been tough at times, but I’ve learnt to stay focused on my goals. I believe that with consistent hard work and
Dedication and support will come. It’s about proving yourself day in and day out.
How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a professional boxer?
Handling pressure and expectations is a crucial part of being a professional boxer. My approach is to stay calm, listen to music to help me relax, and pray to God for strength and guidance. I’ve found that this combination helps me maintain my focus and composure, even in high-pressure situations.
What is your advice to aspiring boxers who are looking to make it in the professional ranks?
The best advice I can give to aspiring boxers is to keep going, no matter what. It might be incredibly hard at the start—it certainly was for me—but if you persevere and keep pushing forward, you will see good results. Boxing is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical strength. Stay dedicated, train hard, and believe in yourself. Remember, every champion was once an aspiring boxer just like you.
What are your goals and aspirations for your boxing career in both the short and long term?
My main goal is to create a lasting legacy for myself in the sport of boxing. In the short term, I’m focused on improving my skills, winning more fights, and climbing up the rankings. Long term, I aspire to become a world champion and use my platform to inspire others, especially young people from challenging backgrounds like mine.
Can you share your happiest moment as a boxer?
My happiest moment in boxing was when I won my first title to become the WBC champion of Africa. It was validation of all my hard work and sacrifices. I believe it’s just the beginning, and I’m confident that with God’s will, I’ll win a world title soon.
What was your saddest moment?
On the flip side, my saddest moment was losing in the final of the Edo National Sports Festival in 2020. I was representing Kaduna State, and the defeat was hard to take. But I didn’t let it get me down. As they say, you don’t lose because you’re bad; you lose to learn from your mistakes. And that’s exactly what I did.
How did you move to the UK, and how has your experience been boxing there?
As for my move to the UK, it came about through a combination of hard work, prayer, and self-promotion. I used all my social media platforms to showcase my skills and dedication. That’s how I came across my current manager, Sean Murray. It was a blessing to meet him, and that was how my journey in the UK began. Boxing here has been a great experience—it’s opened up new opportunities and allowed me to test myself against different styles of fighters.
Would you still like to represent Nigeria on the international stage now that pros can compete at the Olympics too?
Yes, absolutely! I would love to represent my country if given the opportunity. It would be an honour to wear the Nigerian colours and compete for my nation on the international stage. Even though I’m a professional now, the chance to participate in events like the Olympics would be a dream come true.
What local and international impacts do you hope to have on boxing?
I want to become a mentor and help others in the sport of boxing. My goal is to inspire the next
generation of boxers, especially in Nigeria. I want to show young people that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from. Globally, I hope to change perceptions about Nigerians and African boxers, showcasing the talent and determination we possess.
Have you ever felt like quitting boxing? If not, why?
Yes, if I’m being honest, there have been times when I felt like giving up. There were moments when I had no one to support or motivate me, and it felt incredibly tough. But I just kept pushing through those hard times. I’m grateful that my persistence has paid off, even if not as much as I’d have liked yet. I believe that as long as I keep putting in the work, greater success will come. It’s this belief that keeps me going, even on the toughest days.
Have you ever experienced racism in your career?
Thankfully, I have not experienced racism in my career. I’m blessed to have the best team around me, and I’m grateful to God for that. Boxing has generally been a sport that brings people together, transcending racial boundaries, and my personal experience has reflected that.
I heard that boxers are not supposed to have sex before fights. Is that true? Do you avoid sex before fights?
Yes, that’s a common belief in boxing, and many fighters, including myself, follow this practice. Boxing is a sport that requires 100 percent dedication and focus. Avoiding sexual activities before fights is believed to help maintain mental focus and conserve physical energy. It’s part of the discipline and commitment required to perform at the highest level in this sport.
