Top Rank announced today the signing of undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Efe Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) to a long-term promotional agreement.
Ajagba, 26, the Nigerian-born former soccer player, turned pro in 2017 after a decorated amateur career that included a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. A three-year professional, he has risen the ranks of the young heavyweights and is already rated in the top 15 by two of the major governing organizations.
Ajagba will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020 on a to-be-determined bill. He has also enlisted the services of manager James Prince and head trainer Kay Koroma.
“I made this decision to become a better boxer and to advance my career. That’s why I signed with James Prince and Top Rank,” Ajagba said. “When I return to the ring soon, you will see a new Efe Ajagba. Kay Koroma and I are working on my head movement and defense, as I seek to become a more well-rounded fighter.”
“Efe Ajagba is one of the most gifted young heavyweights I’ve seen in quite some time,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has immense physical tools and a great work ethic. I have the utmost confidence that we’re looking at a future heavyweight champion.”
At 6-foot-6 and 240-plus pounds, Ajagba is one of the division’s most intimidating physical specimens, a natural puncher with six-first round knockouts on his ledger. He holds the record for the fastest victory in boxing history when, in August 2018, Curtis Harper walked out of the ring one second after the opening bell sounded. The disqualification win ended Ajagba’s string of knockouts, and he would score four more knockouts before being taken the distance for the first time in his career. Ajagba last fought March 7 in Brooklyn, knocking out former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in nine rounds.
Ajagba is one of the most exciting heavyweight prospects coming up. Being Nigerian, he gets the inevitable comparisons to Ike Ibeabuchi, which he is a far cry from both talent and style wise; they are completely different fighters. Ajagba has had some pretty decent assignments and has shown some vulnerabilities, but has also shown a never say die attitude and has persevered. I love watching this guy progress!
Ajagba is a work in progress as he is finding his niche in the heavyweight division. What I do like is he has height, power, and aggression. These are ingredients to make a decent fighter and a crowd pleaser to watch. He is not perfect, but his hunger and consistent perseverance is really looking good so far.
He’s going to be Heavyweight Campion, He’s got all the tools and chin.
Not sold on this fighter yet because he has not found his rhythm (i.e. too robotic). However, I will keep an eye on him.
Big, strong, heavy handed, likable, hope Ajagba can add some skills, then he will be a real contender.
Some skills would be great, without i won’t jump on the hype train !
All aboard the hype train!!
Actually, that was a clever post! LOL
was hoping to see him fight daniel dubois …looks like that might happen alot sooner than i thought
“I seek to become a more well-rounded fighter.” means dont mention Daniel Dubois right now.
Why James prince? Isn’t he the guy that had mayweather and Andre ward crapping their pants over a contract?
James Prince has been around the boxing game for over 20 years and was affiliated with Roy Jones. I really know nothing of his reputation in the world of boxing, but he was the founder of Rap-A-Lot Records wich introduced the ultra hardcore rap band The Geto Boys! If you’re not familiar with them, they made NWA look New Kids on the Block!
Would be nice to see him in with better competition
guy is a natually gifted fighter , great choice top rank