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Nigerian heavyweight boxer and WBC Silver title holder Efe Ajagba has said he is just one victory away from challenging for the world heavyweight title and is open to staging the potential bout in Nigeria.
Efe Ajagba, who is currently based in the United States, recently returned to Nigeria and reflected on his boxing journey and future aspirations in an interview with Punch.
He said he would gladly bring a world title fight to Nigeria if given the opportunity and the right to decide the location.
“If I have the choice, I will bring it here to Nigeria. I have to hold a title belt to make those decisions and if I want to defend it, I will always want it here”, he said.
The 30-year-old fighter also spoke on the early challenges he faced in his career, including signing a bad contract during his early days in boxing. He noted that with the help of his wife, he was able to resolve the situation and continue his progress in the sport.
“The country is hard, so I know some of the younger boxers may be tempted to make such decisions, but I believe they are more informed than I am,” he noted.
Ajagba emphasised the natural strength and resilience of African boxers, stating that with added technical skill, fighters from the continent can dominate the global stage.
He urged upcoming Nigerian athletes to focus on developing their techniques while building on their physical strength.
He also spoke about his reputation in the ring, stating that his physical presence and punching power often discourage sparring partners.
According to him, most opponents avoid sparring with him after just one session due to his intensity and power.
He said, “Many fear my right hand… I spar every day. When they hear they’re sparring with Efe Ajagba, a lot of them refuse to come.”
On the dangers of professional sports, Ajagba described boxing as one of the most physically demanding and risky sports, especially when compared to team sports like American football. He stressed that, unlike team players who can be substituted when injured, boxers must endure injuries alone in the ring.
The Delta-born fighter identified Oleksandr Usyk as the most technically challenging boxer in the heavyweight division at the moment. He praised Usyk’s movement, timing, and ring intelligence, describing the Ukrainian as a difficult opponent due to his elusive style.
“He is not a puncher, he is a boxer… when he moves, he punches, when you try and he moves so you miss, he punches again,” the Nigerian heavyweight boxer said.
Efe Ajagba also dismissed the role of superstitions in boxing, noting that while some fighters may believe in charms or spiritual influence, such practices do not hold any real power in regulated professional bouts, especially abroad.
Looking ahead, Ajagba confirmed that he is in training and staying in shape while awaiting his next fight, which could determine his shot at the world title.
He explained that his pathway to a title bout was affected by Martin Bakole’s unexpected decision to face Joseph Parker instead of him, which reshuffled the division’s rankings.
“I think just one more fight to get to a world title,” Ajagba said, noting that the plan was disrupted after Martin Bakole opted to fight Joseph Parker instead. “He thought he was going to beat Joseph Parker but he couldn’t… he had no rest.”
Ajagba currently holds a professional record of 19 wins, including 14 by knockout, and just one loss.
The post Efe Ajagba Targets World Title Fight, Open To Fighting In Nigeria appeared first on Naija News.
