Efe Ajagba edges closer to heavyweight title shot

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria’s heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba is one fight away from earning a shot at the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title.

The IBF recently ordered Congolese fighter Martin Bakole to face Ajagba in an eliminator bout to determine the mandatory challenger for its heavyweight crown.

Initially, Bakole was set to fight Germany-based Agit Kabayel, but Kabayel withdrew, paving the way for Ajagba, currently ranked 7th on the IBF list, to step in against the 4th-ranked Bakole.

Ajagba’s promoter, Top Rank, confirmed the Nigerian’s readiness for the fight after the #5 contender, Zhilei Zhang, opted to pursue other opportunities.

Ajagba, a Nigerian Olympian with a professional record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 14 knockouts, is coming off a split-decision victory over Guido Vianello in April. Bakole, meanwhile, boasts a record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 16 knockouts, with his most recent triumph being a decisive knockout over highly touted prospect Jared Anderson in August. This marked Bakole’s fourth stoppage victory in his last five fights.

As for the matchup, fireworks are expected. Ajagba is known for his power and physicality, albeit with limited technical finesse, while Bakole, a larger and more methodical fighter, is renowned for systematically breaking down opponents.

The winner will earn a coveted shot at the IBF heavyweight title, currently held by Britain’s Daniel Dubois, who defended his crown with a stunning knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.