Ajagba, Bakole title eliminator bout confirmed for 2025

Heavyweight contenders Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba have officially agreed to clash in a highly anticipated IBF title eliminator in 2025.

The bout, initially scheduled for the undercard of the Daniel Dubois-Joseph Parker fight in February 2025, has been moved to a later date, likely on the next major Riyadh Season boxing event.

Bakole who is promoted by Boxxer, and Ajagba, under the Top Rank banner, are both formidable forces in the heavyweight division.

The Congolese boxer in 22 professional fights has recorded 21 wins with 16 of them coming by way of knockout while recording just one loss. Ajagba has also recorded 20 wins from 21 professional fights earning 14 knockouts and just one loss.

Bakole’s impressive knockout victory over Jared Anderson in August further solidified his status as a rising star. Now, he sets his sights on Ajagba, who is aiming to rebound from his 2021 loss to Frank Sanchez.

While there were initial discussions about hosting the fight in Africa, it is more likely to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Top Rank’s Carl Moretti confirmed the agreement, stating that the fight was pushed back from the February card and will be rescheduled for a future Riyadh Season event.

With both fighters ranked highly by the IBF, the winner of this clash will be one step closer to challenging for the world title currently held by Daniel Dubois.