Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Efe Ajagba is set to face Congolese contender, Martin Bakole in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator bout scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The winner will become the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title currently held by Daniel Dubois.
Ajagba, boasting a record of 20 wins and one loss with 14 knockouts, has been vocal about his ambitions in the heavyweight division. He recently shared footage of his knockout victory over Brian Howard on social media, signaling his readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Bakole, with a record of 21 victories, including 16 knockouts, against a single defeat, has been in formidable form.
His fifth-round demolition of previously unbeaten American prospect Jared Anderson in August 2024 showcased his power and skill.
Bakole confidently stated, “You don’t stand with Martin Bakole. I am a big man and I am a machine. No one wants to fight me.”
The bout is part of a stacked card organized by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, which also features high-profile matchups including Jaime Munguia vs. Bruno Surace and Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki.
The stakes are particularly high, as the winner will become the mandatory challenger for Dubois, who is scheduled to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker on February 22.
A potential unification bout against the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch could also be on the horizon for the eventual mandatory challenger.
As the fight date approaches, both Ajagba and Bakole are intensifying their training regimens, fully aware that a victory could propel them into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division and bring them closer to achieving their world title aspirations.
