Tosin Kejawa, the WBC Africa Champion, reflects on his inspiring journey from the streets of Nigeria to the boxing arenas of the UK in a candid conversation with Peter Akinbo. His path to professional boxing has been laden with challenges, notably the initial lack of support from his family and the negative perceptions of boxing in Nigeria. Kejawa initially dreamed of an amateur boxing career to represent his country, but faced disappointment when that opportunity did not arise. Instead of waiting, he made the bold decision to turn professional. Overcoming societal stigma and resilience in the face of adversity has been integral to his journey, showing dedication not only to his craft but to changing minds about the sport he loves.
Interestingly, rather than instilling fear in his peers, Kejawa’s boxing prowess made him a figure of admiration among the children in his neighborhood. They sought friendship with him, recognizing his ability to protect. Yet, despite his growing popularity, his family was initially apprehensive about his boxing ambitions, fearing he might join unsavory crowds due to his environment. As a rebellious youth from a challenging area, Kejawa had to earn their trust, promising to channel his energy positively. His family’s eventual support has played a crucial role in bolstering his career, strengthening his resolve to pursue his passion fully.
Kejawa draws inspiration from global boxing luminaries like Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Joshua. Their accomplishments have deeply influenced his work ethic and aspirations, particularly Mayweather’s luxurious lifestyle which ignited Kejawa’s own motivation for excellence. While he acknowledges the need for superior skills in the ring, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and relentless commitment to training. Throughout his career, he has faced significant challenges, particularly in managing his weight and sometimes feeling a lack of support. However, he has learned to maintain a stringent regimen, staying focused on nourishment and training, believing that consistent efforts will attract the support he seeks and lead to victories.
The pressure of professional boxing is relentless, and Kejawa has his methods for coping with expectations. Music and prayer are key components of his routine to ensure mental clarity and composure, critical traits needed before entering the ring. For aspiring boxers, he delivers an empowering message: perseverance is vital. He urges them to view hardships as stepping stones rather than obstacles, emphasizing that mental strength is as important as physical ability in achieving success in boxing. Kejawa’s desire to create a lasting legacy drives his goals—achieving short-term victories while eyeing the ultimate aim of world champion status and using his platform to inspire others, particularly young individuals from challenging backgrounds.
Kejawa’s happiest moment came with winning his first title and becoming the WBC Africa Champion, signifying the fruits of his labor. However, life’s lessons also came with sadness, as illustrated by his loss at the Edo National Sports Festival in 2020. He underscores that setbacks are merely opportunities for growth, a philosophy that has helped him remain resilient throughout his career. His move to the UK marked a turning point, facilitated by his tenacity and self-promotion on social media, ultimately leading him to his current manager, Sean Murray. This progression connected him with new opportunities, challenging him with diverse fighting styles and enriching his boxing experience.
Looking to the future, Kejawa expresses a fervent desire to represent Nigeria on international platforms, such as the Olympics, emphasizing national pride and the joy of competing for his homeland. His ambition extends beyond personal accolades; he aims to inspire the next generation of boxers, showcasing the potential within Africa and changing perceptions about Nigerian athletes. Although he has faced moments of despair and doubt in his career, particularly due to lack of motivation at times, his steadfast belief in the power of hard work and dedication fuels his continuous journey toward greatness. He views boxing as a uniting force in transcending racial barriers and has not personally experienced racism within his environment, thanks to the inclusive nature of the sport and the support system surrounding him.
Kejawa also touches on traditional practices in boxing, including the belief that abstaining from sex prior to fights is crucial, a discipline he adheres to in order to conserve energy and maintain focus. His commitment to the sport is evident in every aspect of his training and mental preparation. In his narrative, Kejawa reflects a journey marked by resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams, representing a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, particularly those from challenging backgrounds, illustrating that with hard work, one can achieve their goals against all odds.
