Ariya Networks hails Nigerian boxing turnout after WBA stream draws more than 1 million subscribers

By AI, Created 10:29 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Ariya Networks said the “Battle of The Unbeaten” drew more than 1 million subscribers to its live WBA Championship stream, creating technical glitches as interest surged beyond expectations. The platform plans another continental boxing tournament later this year and will stream more boxing content starting April 29.

Why it matters: - Ariya Networks said the turnout showed that Nigeria has the market to support boxing as a self-sustaining sector. - The surge also highlighted demand for African sports content on smart devices across the continent and beyond.

What happened: - Ariya Networks praised DeLads Boxing Promotion, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, the Lagos State government, the Lagos State Sports Commission and boxing fans for helping deliver the “Battle of The Unbeaten.” - DeLads Boxing Promotion and Ariya Networks organized the event. - The bouts took place Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. - More than 1 million subscribers tuned in to watch the WBA Championship live on Ariya Networks. - The unexpected spike created technical challenges on the streaming platform.

The details: - Ariya Networks said the platform handled traffic when sign-ins reached 35,000 per minute, but not when nearly 1 million users tried to log in at once. - A top management official said the company underestimated how many people would watch. - The same official said the company plans to fix future glitches and keep pushing African sports to global audiences. - The live stream was part of a company that has been operating for about five months. - Ariya Networks plans to host another continental boxing tournament with multiple promoters before the end of the year. - Subscribers can stream the bout between Taiwo Agbaje, also known as Eshepo, and Tosin Osaigbovo, also known as Sojarboy, on Ariya Plus starting Wednesday, April 29. - The amateur portion of the “Battle of The Unbeaten” will be available on Ariya Sport 2. - Fans at the packed venue watched both the headliners and the amateur fights. - Eshepo defeated Soldierboy by unanimous decision in the African lightweight category of the World Boxing Association.

Between the lines: - The event became a test case for whether local boxing can generate large digital audiences in Nigeria. - The streaming glitches suggest Ariya Networks may need more infrastructure if it wants to scale live sports faster than expected.

What’s next: - Ariya Networks will work to eliminate technical problems before future live events. - The company is planning another boxing tournament later this year with additional promoters. - More boxing content will roll out on Ariya Plus and Ariya Sport 2 starting April 29. - The company also invited followers to connect on Facebook and TikTok.