Irish heavyweight prospect Adam Olaniyan is officially turning professional under Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, adding one of the most decorated young amateurs in Europe to an already strong stable of heavyweight talent.
The 19-year-old from Tallaght will make his professional debut in Dublin on March 14, appearing on the undercard of the WBA world super featherweight title fight between Jazza Dickens and Anthony Cacace at the 3Arena.
Olaniyan arrives in the paid ranks with significant amateur pedigree. He captured the 2024 World Youth title, won two European gold medals, and earned seven national championships. Despite having a path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he opted to pursue world titles as a professional instead.
He will train in Liverpool under veteran coach Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red Triangle gym. Olaniyan expressed that starting his professional career at home felt meaningful and noted that joining Queensberry gives him the right platform to grow in a division currently dominated by the promotion’s roster. He acknowledged the need to develop patiently but made clear that his long-term ambition is to unify the heavyweight division and return global titles to Dublin.
“I’m delighted to be getting my professional journey underway and no better place to do it than at home in Dublin,” said the teenager per GiveMeSport.
“This felt like the right time to make the switch to the pros and it’s great to be doing that with the backing of Frank Warren and Queensberry. They really are the home of the heavyweights right now so it’s the perfect place for me to develop.
“I’m obviously still very young and I know I will have to serve my apprenticeship as a pro but I’ve already proved as an amateur that I can be the best in the world and of course the goal remains the same as a professional. I want to become undisputed world heavyweight champion and bring all those belts back to Dublin and the road to that starts in Dublin on 14 March.”
Frank Warren praised the signing, pointing out Olaniyan’s standout amateur credentials and the favorable timing for his move to the pros. He emphasized that every fighter progresses differently and that Queensberry intends to guide him carefully while ensuring he gains the right experience. Warren also highlighted the quality of Stevenson’s gym environment and its importance for Olaniyan’s development.
“I am thrilled to bring Adam to Queensberry, and he is clearly a very special and gifted young heavyweight who excelled as an amateur. It is the perfect time for him to turn professional and make himself known throughout the world at the time when the heavyweights are dominating the boxing landscape.
“Every fighter is different and we will bring Adam along at the correct pace and make sure he gets all the experience he needs. He is with a top trainer in Paul and the environment in his gym will bring the very best out of him and see to it that Ireland will have a heavyweight star to be proud of.”
Olaniyan will be managed by Brian Peters, the longtime manager known for guiding the careers of Bernard Dunne and Katie Taylor. Peters views Olaniyan as a rare talent with the physical and technical tools to reach the top of the division, while acknowledging the importance of patient matchmaking given his age.
“Adam is an incredibly exciting talent and the world is his oyster,” predicted Peters.
“Of course we have to be conscious of his age and take our time with his development, but he has all the attributes to become the first Irish-born World heavyweight champion.”
With a polished amateur background, established training team, and a major promotional platform behind him, Adam Olaniyan enters the professional ranks as one of Ireland’s most intriguing young boxing prospects. His debut in Dublin marks the first step in a campaign designed to build him into the country’s next heavyweight contender.
