Nigerian-born Irish boxer Daniel Fakoyede has declared his ambition to conquer the global heavyweight boxing scene after making an explosive professional debut in Dublin.
The 27-year-old fighter, who competes in the Super Heavyweight category, announced his arrival in the paid ranks with a first-round knockout victory over Polish opponent Mateusz Rybarski at the National Stadium, Dublin — a bout that lasted just 72 seconds.
Born on March 17, 1998, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Fakoyede moved with his family to Ireland in October 2000, where he grew up in Dublin. Now representing Ireland, he has a professional record of 10 bouts, with seven wins coming by knockout, reflecting a KO rate of over 57 percent.
Speaking about his journey, Fakoyede said his love for boxing began as a teenager, inspired by former world champion Anthony Joshua, whose success and charisma motivated him to pursue the sport seriously.
“I wanted to win the love and respect of people just as Anthony Joshua did through his boxing and likeable character,” he said.
Fakoyede began his boxing career in October 2019 under head coach Frank Stacey at the Westside Boxing Club, where he honed his skills as an amateur. After amassing an amateur record of 7 wins and 3 losses, with a knockout ratio of 71 percent, he transitioned into professional boxing in 2024.
To prepare for the professional circuit, Fakoyede joined Unit 3 Boxing Gym under coach Niall Barrett, before signing a management deal in May 2025 with Sheer Sports Management, headed by former Irish professional boxer Jason Quigley.
Now, based in Dublin, Fakoyede said his goal extends beyond personal success. He hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes from immigrant backgrounds whose parents may be hesitant about boxing.
“I want to create opportunities for those coming after me who come from immigrant families like mine,” he explained. “Many parents are skeptical about boxing, but the sport teaches structure, discipline, and self-control.”
He also emphasized the mental and emotional discipline required to excel in boxing.
“Boxing isn’t about anger or violence,” he said. “It’s about dedication, discipline, perseverance, and intelligence. An angry, wild boxer won’t go far, but one with a cool head and a great work ethic will.”
Fakoyede credits boxing with giving him focus and direction during his youth, encouraging parents to let energetic children channel their drive into sports.
“Boxing gave me structure and kept me disciplined during my tumultuous days growing up,” he reflected.
With his powerful knockout debut and a growing reputation in Ireland’s boxing circuit, Daniel Fakoyede is now setting his sights on climbing the heavyweight ladder — determined to make both Nigeria and Ireland proud.
