Undefeated American boxing legend, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, has pledged to invest in grassroots sports development and create opportunities for young African talents, particularly aspiring boxers, as part of efforts to give back to the continent.

Mayweather made the commitment during a high-profile visit to Abuja, where he reaffirmed his attachment to Africa and expressed his desire to contribute to the development of its human and economic potential.

The boxing icon, who described Africa as the best continent in the world, said his mission was to touch lives, inspire young people and demonstrate that success was achievable through determination, discipline and hard work.

“My mission is always to be able to touch the people of Africa. Africa is the best continent in the world, and it’s always good to come back and receive the love from our people,” he said.

He added that his achievements should serve as motivation for young Africans to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams.

“To let them know that if Floyd Mayweather did it, you guys can do it too,” he stated.

On sports development, Mayweather identified the enormous untapped potential among African youths, particularly in boxing, and disclosed plans to establish structured boxing camps, gyms and promotional platforms to discover, train and support emerging fighters.

He said such initiatives would provide young talents with the necessary facilities, professional guidance and exposure to compete at international levels.

Beyond sports, the former world champion also emphasised the importance of local investment, resource ownership and community development, urging Africans to ensure that the continent’s enormous natural and human resources translate into tangible benefits for its people.

He advocated greater local participation in sectors such as mining and business, stressing that communities should take ownership of their resources and ensure that wealth generated within their environment contributes to their development.

According to him, genuine success should go beyond wealth accumulation and include meaningful investments in people and communities.

Mayweather also acknowledged the contributions of his long-standing collaborators, including Keane Anis of TMT Africa and Frontrow, towards promoting international sporting exhibitions and entertainment events.

He encouraged boxing enthusiasts in Nigeria and across the world to support upcoming exhibition fights and other sporting events, describing them as opportunities to deepen global fan engagement and promote the sport.

Addressing African youths, the boxing legend urged them to remain focused, hardworking and confident in their abilities.

“Keep believing, keep working hard, know you guys are number one. Africa, know you guys are number one,” he said.

Mayweather’s visit has renewed conversations about the potential of sports investment, international partnerships and private-sector participation in developing Africa’s next generation of boxing talents.