The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has mandated a heavyweight eliminator bout between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’s IBF title. This announcement follows withdrawals by Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang, who chose alternative routes in their careers.
Martin Bakole, ranked No. 4 by the IBF, is riding high on a streak of impressive victories, including a dominant knockout of rising star Jared Anderson. Known for his immense power and aggressive style, Bakole has established himself as a formidable contender. However, his career has not been without challenges; his sole defeat came against Michael Hunter in 2018. Bakole’s physicality and ability to generate power even in close exchanges make him a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight.
Efe Ajagba, the Nigerian pugilist ranked No. 7 by the IBF, also boasts an impressive record (20-1, 14 KOs). Known as “The Silent Roller,” Ajagba has gained recognition for his towering 6’6″ frame, powerful punches, and resilience. Despite a unanimous decision loss to Frank Sanchez in 2021, Ajagba has rebounded with several wins, most recently a hard-fought decision over Guido Vianello. His amateur pedigree includes a gold medal at the 2015 African Games and participation in the 2016 Olympics.
The clash between Bakole and Ajagba promises an explosive matchup of two powerful and aggressive fighters. While Bakole is favored due to his recent performances, Ajagba’s physicality and knockout power could make this a competitive fight. The stakes are high, as victory would secure a direct path to a world title shot against Dubois, marking a significant step in either boxer’s career.