How I Trained One Year for Boxing Role - Tobi Bakre

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 Nollywood actor Tobi Bakre has opened up about the intense preparation he underwent for his role in the 2026 film The Other Side of the Bridge, revealing that he dedicated an entire year to boxing training to bring authenticity to his character.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Bakre explained that portraying Farouk, a boxer, demanded far more than just physical transformation.

 According to him, the role required a deep understanding of the sport, including its discipline, mental toughness, and technical skills. 

He stressed that the goal was to make his performance believable, which meant fully immersing himself in the lifestyle of a fighter.

“I spent about a year training as a boxer. It wasn’t just about the body; I had to learn how to move, how to take a punch, and the discipline of the sport. For this movie, we wanted it to look real, so I had to live like a fighter for that whole year,” he said.

The film, directed by Fiyin Gambo, premiered in Nigerian cinemas on April 17, 2026. It tells the story of Farouk, a former teenage boxing champion who is forced to return to the ring in a desperate attempt to save his trainer’s struggling gym. 

As he prepares for a high-stakes comeback fight, Farouk must confront a formidable rival whose troubled past mirrors his own, setting the stage for an emotionally charged and physically demanding showdown.

The Other Side of the Bridge features an impressive ensemble cast, including Mike Afolarin, Seun Ajayi, Teniola Aladese, Femi Branch and Ireti Doyle, among others. The screenplay was written by Tamara Aihie and Emil Garuba, with production handled by Tolu Lordtanner.

Ahead of the film’s release, Bakre had consistently expressed his desire to break away from the perception of being primarily a reality TV personality. Known for his rise to fame through reality television, the actor has since been intentional about taking on more challenging roles that showcase his range and dedication to the craft.

His commitment to spending a full year training highlights a growing trend in Nollywood, where actors are increasingly going to great lengths to deliver realistic and compelling performances. 

For Bakre, the role of Farouk represents not just another acting credit, but a statement of intent about the level of seriousness he brings to his career.

With The Other Side of the Bridge now in cinemas, audiences are getting the chance to see the results of that dedication, as Bakre steps into the ring both physically and emotionally in what could mark a defining moment in his acting journey.

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