Ezra Arenyeka vs. Godday Appah | DAZN - 1 May 2026

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Amir Khan and Dr Ezekiel Adamu unveil May 1 show in Nigeria

On May 1 in Nigeria, former world champion Amir Khan and Dr Ezekiel Adamu will promote a show that features a hard-hitting cruiserweight clash between Ezra Arenyeka,15-2 (12 KOs) and Godday Appah, 14-2 (13 KOs).

Also, Elvis “The Soldier” Ahorgah, 15-4 (13 KOs) returns to Africa after fights in Britian against the likes of Callum Simpson and Tyler Denny. He fights Newcastle’s outspoken Joe Laws, 15-4 (5 KOs).

Another interesting addition to the bill at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos is Michael McKinson, from Portsmouth, England, who is 6-1 since his 2022 loss to Vergil Ortiz.

Now 27-2 (4 KOs), McKinson faces undefeated Algerian Mohammad Sahnoun, who is 8-0 with six stoppages.

There is more on the card, promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions in association with AK Promotions, including a clash between 19-0 (12 KOs) southpaw Raheem Animashaun and experienced “Sniper Man” Emmanuel Amos, who is 22-10-1 (13 KOs).

Nigerian hopeful Basit Adebayo, 9-0-1 (4 KOs) faces Tanzanian southpaw veteran Loren Japhet, 20-9-3 (4 KOs) and, at middleweight, Nigeria's national middleweight champion who has previously competed in the WBC Grand Prix, Rasheed Adeyemo (16-2, 9 KOs) – faces Tanzania’s Nicolaus Michael Mdoe, 15-8-2 (11 KOs).

There’s also a spot on the bill for UK-based Ghanaian “True Sensation” Samuel Antwi, 18-2 (8 KOs), who meets Congolese fighter Paul Kamanga, 24-3 (13 KOs) at welterweight.

The bout that is likely to capture the most headlines sees a bout of social media stars Carter Efe and Portable – with their combined 10 million followers.

Khan said of the show: “I’ve been in big fights around the globe, but the passion in Africa is something special. These fighters have heart, skill and fire – now they get to show it on the biggest stage. Lagos is going to be electric.”

Dr Adamu added: “This is Africa’s moment. We’ve built this card to showcase our own talent, the warriors who’ve come through the ranks here in Africa. We’ve teamed up once again with Amir Khan to put Nigeria and the continent of Africa on the map for the world to see.”

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Amir Khan announces packed boxing event on DAZN

Amir Khan announces DAZN show headlined by Carter Efe vs Portable

Building on a breakout year for African boxing, the stage is set for the brightest homegrown talent across the continent to shine in front of the world.

African pride, power, and potential will be on display as former world champion Amir Khan teams up with Dr Ezekiel Adamu and Balmoral Group Promotions to deliver a massive night of action from the heart of Lagos, Nigeria – live worldwide on DAZN on Friday 1st May 2026.

Former world champion and AK Promotions CEO Amir Khan added: “I’ve been in big fights around the globe, but the passion in Africa is something special. These fighters have heart, skill and fire – now they get to show it on the biggest stage. Lagos is going to be electric.”

Dr Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said: “This is Africa’s moment. We’ve built this card to showcase our own talent, the warriors who’ve come through the ranks here in Africa. We’ve teamed up once again with Amir Khan to put Nigeria and the continent of Africa on the map for the world to see.”

Carter Efe vs Portable
Topping the bill is the ultimate Nigerian showdown as social media megastars Carter Efe and Portable with a combined 10 million followers finally settle their explosive beef inside the ropes.

Portable, the larger-than-life Zazu sensation known for his wild energy and fearless attitude, has been pushing for this clash, while Carter Efe brings his quick wit and sharp reflexes.

Lagos will come to a standstill as influencer boxing reaches Africa for the very first time, and their two most followed influencers put their pride on the line.

Ezra Arenyeka vs Godday Appah
In a cruiserweight Nigerian power clash, Ezra Arenyeka (15-2, 12 KOs) – the hard-hitting “Nigerian King” who rose to notoriety with his bad tempered bout with superstar Ben Whittaker brings his devastating knockout power and 80% KO rate as he faces Godday Appah (14-2, 13 KOs), the relentless “Zodsolo” whose staggering 93% knockout ratio makes him one of the most dangerous finishers on the continent.

Both orthodox bombers hail from rival neighbourhoods in Southern Nigeria, making for an electric atmosphere as the communities come to a standstill to witness this war in the ring.

Elvis Ahorgah vs Joe Laws
Ghana’s viral star Elvis Ahorgah (15-4, 13 KOs) – “The Soldier” – returns to Africa after gritty battles against top British names Callum Simpson and Tyler Denny, bringing military-style pressure, heavy hands and chaotic antics to the ring. He meets Newcastle’s Joe Laws (15-4, 5 KOs), the compact “Benwell Bomber” with tough heart, heavy shots and a never-say-die attitude in what shapes up as a thrilling super-middleweight battle of wills.

Michael McKinson vs Mohammad Sahnoun
British southpaw Michael McKinson (27-2, 4 KOs) “The Problem” is a clever, elusive veteran whose slick movement and defensive mastery have frustrated top opponents. He takes on undefeated Algerian prospect Mohammad Sahnoun (8-0, 6 KOs), the explosive young knockout artist hungry to make a statement against seasoned experience.

Raheem Animashaun vs Emmanuel Amos
Two 17-year-olds collide in a super-lightweight spotlight bout as Nigeria’s teenage sensation Raheem Animashaun (19-0, 12 KOs), the southpaw prodigy “Baddo” from Mushin, Lagos, puts his flawless record on the line.

Turning pro at just 16, he became the youngest West African Boxing Union super-lightweight champion in history, charismatic flair, and bold ambitions to break Mike Tyson’s records while studying law at the University of Lagos.

On home soil, he faces Tanzania’s veteran “Sniper Man” Emmanuel Amos (22-10-1, 13 KOs) – the compact campaigner from Dar-es-Salaam with over a decade of wars under his belt. This youth-versus-veteran thriller explodes with teenage firepower meeting seasoned savvy in a must-see test of Africa’s rising talent.

Basit Adebayo vs Loren Japhet
Rising Nigerian talent Basit Adebayo (9-0-1, 4 KOs) puts his near-perfect record on the line with flashy speed and home-crowd backing against Tanzanian veteran Loren Japhet (20-9-3, 4 KOs), the crafty southpaw whose experience and awkward angles will test the prospect’s skills in a classic youth vs veteran showdown.

Rasheed Adeyemo vs Michael Mdoe
In a high-stakes middleweight showdown, Nigeria’s national middleweight champion who has previously competed in the WBC Grand Prix, Rasheed Adeyemo (16-2, 9 KOs) – the orthodox powerhouse known as “Fhally Boy,” brings his championship experience in against Tanzania’s Nicolaus Michael Mdoe (15-8-2, 11 KOs), the dangerous puncher with strong knockout power and former UBO International Super Welterweight Champion.

This all-African clash between two heavy hitters promises fireworks, and African pride on full display in what could be an early knockout spectacle.

Samuel Antwi vs Paul Kamanga
Rounding out the action, UK-based Ghanaian “True Sensation” Samuel Antwi (18-2, 8 KOs) brings polished technique and championship pedigree against Congolese veteran Paul Kamanga (24-3, 13 KOs), a compact orthodox fighter with real knockout power and African resilience in a welterweight clash full of intrigue.

This historic night is promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions in association with AK Promotions.

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Why isn't this on Boxrec yet?

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Is this still?

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Never realized this was headlined by streamers, weird how McKinson landed up on the card

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Never realized this was headlined by streamers, weird how McKinson landed up on the card

Yh, noticed that on weekend, when i was checking if the card was still on.

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Tonight

Michael McKinson vs. Mohammed Sahnoun on the card

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McKinson ready to find voice again after nightmare 2025

By the time Michael McKinson steps through the ropes for his surprise outing in Lagos, Nigeria, on May Day, it will have been 17 months since his last fight.

"The Problem," an the awkward southpaw from Portsmouth, has always been one of the most avoided British boxers of his generation.

And that reputation ruined his plans throughout 2025 as any and all opportunities to fight eluded him completely.
“It has been a nightmare really,” McKinson tells The Ring. “I’ve been in the gym the whole time, fit and ready to go. I was away a couple of times last year as a sparring partner and things, staying active, but I just couldn't get a fight.

“I was 32 the other week. I know these are the important years I'm in my prime. I’m just really grateful to Amir Khan Promotions and the team around it for calling me for this fight.

“I had got to the stage where I have to say yes to anything right now. And for this to be offered to me on DAZN, going to Lagos, a place that I've never been. It’s a blessing.”

Facing undefeated Algerian Mohammed Sahnoun (8-0, 6 KOs) as part of the Khan Promotions event at Balmoral Convention came as a surprise to pretty much everyone, including McKinson himself.

His last fight came in December 2024 when he outpointed Ryan Frost over six rounds in an encounter he actually had to pay for himself.

It was a chance to get the wheels turning again after he was beaten by Tulani Mbenge at London’s Copper Box Arena two months earlier.

But far from pave the way to more opportunities for the man who faced Vergil Ortiz in August 2022, the victory over Frost only served to close the road entirely.

“I’ve been referred to as the president of the Who Needs Him Club for a long time,” he said. “It was a compliment on my way up but now it's kind of a burden. Having that title doesn’t pay my bills. There are four kids at home.

“It has been really, really quiet for the last 15 months and it's been horrible. I've been an out-of-work boxer which is the worst thing to be, especially at my age as well. I'm in my prime years right now and I'll never get them back.

“Thankfully, my sponsors have really stuck by me. My bills have been paid for since I last fought, but it's the fight money that I need to live. So it has been tough. Last year was difficult.

“But then I know I have to stay optimistic in the hope that something's around the corner."

McKinson’s brother, Lucas Ballingall, called time on his 11-year professional career in February after similar struggles. And, although he did consider throwing in the towel himself, McKinson still feels he has a point to prove in the professional game.

“I had that question about retirement after the Mbenge fight,” he said. “But ever since I've felt like I've had a chip on my shoulder and no, I'll prove to all of them, I've got something, I've still got stuff left in me.

“I won’t deny that it has been a nightmare for me, but I’ve finally got a date now and people are going to see me again.

“We can put last year in the past. I’ve got a lot of frustration to take out on this guy, and then I will be using my voice again.”

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McKinson fights off, opponent came in 4lb light then pulled out

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McKinson fights off, opponent came in 4lb light then pulled out

FFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

HE CAME 4 POUND LIGHT AND PULLED OUT??

so he made weight...

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https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/news/mi ... t-changed/

Unbeaten Algerian prospect Mohammed Sahnoun (8-0, 6KO) was pulled from the event due to a last-minute contractual misunderstanding regarding the weight class. Sahnoun's team attempted to impose a rehydration clause and change the fight to an 8-round non-title bout, which McKinson declined. As a result, Sahnoun pulled out, leaving McKinson without an opponent. Despite this setback, McKinson is still expected to feature on the card against a replacement opponent.

The contractual misunderstanding was regarding the weight class for the fight between Michael McKinson and Mohammed Sahnoun. Both fighters had agreed to a 150lbs catchweight, but Sahnoun's team believed the fight would be at 147lbs. This led to post-weigh-in drama, with Sahnoun's team attempting to force a rehydration clause on McKinson and make the fight an 8-round non-title bout. Due to this disagreement, Sahnoun ultimately pulled out of the fight.

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This on now?

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This on now?

Yeh was delayed for about half hour, I've been flicking back and forward, I'll try catch McKinson and Arenyeka

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McKinson landed a low blow so his opponent has made most of his 5 minutes by getting the stool in and having a drink

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Goes the distance, routine win for McKinson incoming

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Appah beats Arenyeka by MD, one judge had it 95-95 and the other 2 had it 96-95 and 98-92 Appah, never scored but I felt Arenyeka only won a couple rounds, he was poor and looked gassed for long spells, I expected more firepower from both men, considering they were cruisers coming in with high KO rates

Appah switched stances all night, looked decent, not the puncher his record suggests but he outboxed Arenyeka quite easily, missed a lot as well mind but Arenyeka wasny doing much at all to win rounds, rounds 8 and 9, Appah opened Arenyeka up and looked like the stoppage might be coming , Arenyeka was on the ropes not throwing back but he was making Appah miss with most, pretty poor finishing tbh, Arenyeka had one of his best rounds in the last, showed some urgency but least he never won, that would've been a travesty, Appah a clear winner for me