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Costas Nanga exclusive: ”I’ve climbed into the top 50 in a surprisingly short time”

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11 januari 2025

Costas Nanga interview. Photo: Vidar Redmond

Undefeated Swedish boxer Costas Nanga made his professional debut in November 2021 and has since racked up 12 consecutive victories, most of them by TKO or knockout.

With a well-oiled team and heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis by his side, the future certainly looks bright for the 28-year-old Swede.

”In a surprisingly short time, I’ve climbed into the top 50 in the world,” Nanga said in a recent interview with Frontkick’s sister site Maximum Sport. ”I face undefeated opponents and train alongside some of the best boxers in the sport.”

While his journey to success might seem easy from the outside, he has poured his heart and soul into every step of his career, showcasing dedication both inside and outside the gym.

When Costas chose to pursue a professional boxing career, he got mixed reactions from people around him. Since Sweden lacks the infrastructure for professional boxing, the former Muay Thai fighter was advised to pursue a career in MMA.

”There are no boxing promoters, managers, or dedicated professional gyms,” Nanga explained. ”Many people suggested I should switch to mixed martial arts, where Sweden has an established system and internationally successful MMA gyms. But since I’m stubborn and motivated, I chose to follow my heart.”

Costas Nanga interview. Photo: Vidar Redmond

Costas Nanga interview: ”I’m carving out my own path”

At the level Nanga has reached by early 2025, there are more factors than winning the fights that determine how far you can go. Just as important as getting the results is the work done outside the squared circle.

”It requires a certain ability or intelligence to make everything work, whatever you choose to try to achieve success in. And a bit of luck plays its part as well,” Nanga said. ”You have to piece everything together. I don’t think there’s an exact formula for success. Every world champ has their own journey and I’m carving out my own path right now.”

Seasoned boxing coach Luis Lagerman, who worked alongside Muhammad Ali’s legendary trainer Angelo Dundee for many years, saw potential in Costas Nanga from the very start. He’s convinced that the 28-year-old Swede is destined for success if he stays true to his path and has good management that does their part.

”I have no doubt he can break into the top 20–15 in the world within two years,” Lagerman recently told Maximum Sports. ”In combat sports, especially boxing, you need three key qualities: the brain, the heart, and the guts. Many fighters possess two, but not all three. Costas, I believe, has all of them.”

”If he can navigate the distractions and challenges around him, the sky’s the limit. He has what it takes to earn a title shot and from there, it’s entirely in his hands.”