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Nigerian Traditional Boxing Gets Global Boost: The Rise of Dambe and the African Warriors Fighting Championship
- Austin Jones
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Nigerian Traditional Boxing Gets Global Boost: The Rise of Dambe and the African Warriors Fighting Championship
In a groundbreaking development for African combat sports, Nigerian traditional boxing, known as Dambe, is set to reach new heights on the global stage, thanks to a powerful partnership between a private investment firm and Hollywood producer Sanford R. Climan. This collaboration is positioning Dambe as a serious contender in the world of professional combat sports as African Warriors Fighting Championship.
The Roots of Dambe
Originating from the northern regions of Nigeria, Dambe is a centuries-old combat sport that blends boxing and martial arts techniques. Traditionally practiced by the Hausa people, the sport has its own unique set of rules and fighting styles, with fighters using their dominant hand to strike while the other hand is used for defense. Dambe is not only a sport but a part of the cultural fabric of Nigeria, representing strength, skill, and heritage.
For years, Dambe remained a niche form of martial art largely confined to regional competitions. However, with the backing of major investors and global partners, its potential is now being recognized on the world stage.
The African Warriors Fighting Championship: A Game Changer
Enter the African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), a sports venture based in Nigeria with the mission of globalizing Dambe. AWFC, which was founded in 2019 by Maxwell Kalu, has quickly become the largest promoter of Dambe, drawing in fighters from across Nigeria and beyond. The championship is home to over 300 fighters and has already garnered an impressive 900 million views across its social media platforms.
In late 2024, Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm based in Mauritius, made a significant investment in AWFC. The firm, known for its focus on high-growth opportunities across Africa’s sports, media, and tech industries, recognized the immense potential of Dambe and the African Warriors Fighting Championship. This partnership is set to transform the way the world perceives traditional African combat sports.
Sanford R. Climan: Hollywood Meets Combat Sports
Joining Silverbacks in this game-changing initiative is Sanford R. Climan, a former Universal Studios executive and producer of the critically acclaimed film The Aviator. With decades of experience in media and entertainment, Climan brings a wealth of expertise in storytelling, marketing, and global brand building to the table.
Climan’s involvement goes beyond just financial backing. He has taken on the role of an advisory board member for AWFC, where he will use his media expertise to promote Dambe and other African combat sports to a global audience. His passion for transformative ventures at the intersection of media, culture, and technology aligns perfectly with the mission of AWFC to elevate Dambe to the world stage.
Global Streaming Partnerships: The Future of Dambe
As part of its strategic expansion, AWFC has secured a partnership with UK-based sports streaming service DAZN, which will broadcast the highly anticipated Dambe World Series. This tournament will showcase top Dambe fighters from Nigeria facing off against international challengers, allowing the world to witness the raw power and skill that defines the sport.
With this partnership, Dambe will gain unprecedented exposure, reaching millions of viewers across the globe. The deal with DAZN is just the beginning, as AWFC plans to further expand its digital and media presence to make Dambe a globally recognized sport.
Silverbacks Holdings: A Strategic Investment in Africa’s Creative Economy
Silverbacks Holdings, founded in 2019, has been at the forefront of investing in high-growth opportunities across various sectors in Africa, including sports, media, and fashion. The firm recently achieved a remarkable 29x return on its investment in Nigerian remittance startup LemFi, showcasing its ability to identify and nurture successful ventures in Africa's rapidly growing creative economy.
Through its partnership with AWFC, Silverbacks is not just investing in a sport but in a cultural movement. By backing Dambe and African combat sports, the firm is helping to place these traditionally African sports on the global stage, where they can thrive alongside more mainstream combat disciplines like boxing, MMA, and kickboxing.
What This Means for Combat Sports
The backing of Silverbacks Holdings and Sanford R. Climan is a major step forward for Dambe and other African combat sports. It’s a signal that traditional martial arts, deeply rooted in African culture, have the potential to break into the mainstream global sports market. As AWFC’s audience continues to grow and its partnerships expand, the future of African combat sports looks incredibly promising.
For fans of combat sports, this development signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the industry. Dambe, with its rich history and unique fighting style, is poised to captivate a global audience. And with global streaming partnerships, financial backing from high-profile investors, and media exposure, there’s no limit to how far this ancient Nigerian sport can go.
The rise of Dambe on the global stage is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and investment coming together to create something truly unique. As the African Warriors Fighting Championship continues to grow, the world will be watching—and Dambe may soon be a household name in the world of combat sports.