Adam Olaore: Africa’s Boxing Champion with Global Ambitions

Adam Olaore has become a name synonymous with hard work and triumph in the world of boxing. Known with nicknames like “Big Future” and “The Champion,” Olaore’s meteoric rise to the top is the result of perseverance, skill, and a dedication to his sport. Originally from Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria, Olaore moved to the United Kingdom at the age of six with his family, where he found his passion for boxing.

Before discovering boxing at age 14, Olaore experimented with various sports, including tennis, football, and rugby. A simple visit to a local boxing gym in Blyth, near Newcastle, set him on a path that would eventually lead him to dominate the boxing scene in both Nigeria and on the international stage.

Despite starting his boxing career later than most, Olaore wasted no time in showcasing his talents. He trains at the Empire School of Boxing under Rich Stoneham and Les Welsh at Empire’s gym in Blyth. Just three years after beginning his training, he was crowned the English Youth Champion in 2020.

His dedication and rapid progress didn’t stop there. By 2023, he claimed the British Championship title and the prestigious New England Boxing National Amateur Champion title in the under-86kg category. His accomplishments in the ring quickly earned him widespread recognition.

However, Olaore’s most significant breakthrough came when he transitioned from the cruiserweight division to the heavyweight category, following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to scrap his preferred weight class. Undeterred, he rose to the challenge, capturing the African Boxing Championship title in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in 2023. This victory made him the African champion and secured his qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he represented Nigeria—a feat not achieved by a Nigerian boxer since 2016.

Olaore’s qualification for the Paris Olympics came after he triumphed at the Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal. He defeated opponents from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Morocco, and Algeria, demonstrating his ability to adapt and compete at the highest levels.

Though Olaore’s journey in Paris 2024 did not culminate in an Olympic medal, as he was defeated by Kazakhstan’s Oralbay Aibek, his story is far from over. He continues to inspire others with his perseverance and dedication to the sport. He is also a Sports science graduate from the Northumbria University.

Outside of the boxing ring, Olaore is also deeply committed to giving back to his community. He works with the Howdon Community Hub in Newcastle, mentoring children and encouraging them to stay focused on their education while setting ambitious goals for themselves. He has even participated in events like the Great North Run as a Sporting Ambassador for Family Gateway, a charity that supports families in the region.

Adam Olaore’s journey is one of hope and determination, a story of a young man who rose from humble beginnings in Nigeria to compete on the world’s grandest stages. His eyes are set on further success and he continues to inspire Nigerian youths and aspiring athletes across the world.

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