Ajagba eyes heavyweight title fight after storming past Martin
Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba has declared readiness for a world title opportunity following his emphatic stoppage victory over former champion Charles Martin in Las Vegas. Ajagba produced a commanding
Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba has declared readiness for a world title opportunity following his emphatic stoppage victory over former champion Charles Martin in Las Vegas.
Ajagba produced a commanding performance at the UFC Apex, overwhelming Martin en route to a fourth-round technical knockout in their Zuffa Boxing main event.
The 29-year-old improved his professional record to 21-1-1 (15 KOs), sending a clear message to the rest of the heavyweight division that he is no longer willing to wait in the shadows.
From the opening bell, Ajagba dictated the tempo with his sharp jab and punishing right hand. His power told in the third round when he dropped Martin, a former IBF world champion, with a thunderous right. Though Martin managed to beat the count, he looked visibly unsettled as Ajagba sensed the finish.
The Nigerian powerhouse returned in the fourth round with renewed aggression, scoring a second knockdown before unleashing a relentless barrage of unanswered right hands.
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Referee Thomas Taylor had seen enough, stepping in at 1:11 of Round Four to halt the contest and hand Ajagba a statement victory.
Rather than bask in the triumph, Ajagba immediately turned his attention to bigger targets. “I’m ready to fight anyone,” he declared after the bout.
“I’m ranked in the top 10, but no one is saying my name.” His message was unmistakable — he wants the champions and the elite contenders next.
Currently rated inside the top 15 by both the WBC and IBF, Ajagba believes his latest performance proves he deserves a shot at the heavyweight crown. With momentum firmly on his side, the Nigerian contender has thrown down the gauntlet to the division’s biggest names and is now openly campaigning for a world title clash.
