Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba Rated Among Top 6 Boxers To Watch In 2025

Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Efe Ajagba has been rated as one of the top six fighters to watch in 2025, according to a recent announcement by Top Rank.

In a video shared across their social media platforms, Top Rank featured Ajagba alongside other promising talents, such as France’s Christian Mbilli and Puerto Rican rising star Xander Zayas.

Ajagba, 30, boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, including 14 knockouts, with only one defeat. He is currently preparing for a crucial International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title eliminator against Martin Bakole, a match that could pave the way for him to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title.

Originally scheduled to take place on February 22 in Riyadh as part of the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card, the bout has been postponed to a later date, as confirmed by Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti.

He said, “It’s agreed to. In Riyadh. It was supposed to be on the February show but they moved it off, so I anticipate it will be on whatever the next show is after February.”

Boxing promoter Ben Shalom expressed his enthusiasm about the Ajagba versus Bakole matchup, highlighting its significance as both fighters aim for world title opportunities.

Shalom stated, “That’s a fight that we’d like to put on. Martin’s fought on Riyadh Season cards, and I’m sure they’d be interested again, but it’s a fight we’d like to put on, more because he’s one fight away now from fighting for a world title.”

The IBF currently ranks Bakole third and Ajagba fifth, with the two top spots remaining vacant. Bakole’s profile has grown notably following his impressive victory over previously unbeaten American Jared Anderson last August.

Alongside Ajagba, Top Rank’s list features other exciting prospects, such as Americans Bruce Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs), and Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs).

The winner of the upcoming Ajagba-Bakole bout will be in a strong position to contend for the IBF heavyweight title, with champion Dubois scheduled to defend against Joseph Parker and a potential unification clash on the horizon against Oleksandr Usyk.