Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has received global recognition after being ranked among the top 10 fighters in the world by The Ring magazine. This is a very important achievement because The Ring, which was founded in 1922, is one of the oldest and most respected boxing publications in the world.
Their rankings are trusted worldwide since they are based on fighters’ results, overall performances, and career achievements, with input from boxing journalists and historians across the globe.
In the most recent update released on Thursday, Ajagba was placed at No. 10. This makes him the only Nigerian boxer currently on the heavyweight top 10 list. For Nigerian sports fans, this is a moment of pride as it shows that the country continues to produce world-class athletes in different sports, not just football.
Ajagba, who is 30 years old, has built an impressive record in professional boxing. So far, he has recorded 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 14 of his victories coming by knockout. His fighting power and determination have helped him earn a place among the world’s elite heavyweights. His consistent performances in recent years have also revived his hopes of competing for a world title.
The heavyweight division is currently led by Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine, who holds the champion’s title. Right behind him is Tyson Fury from Britain, one of the biggest names in boxing today. The next spots are occupied by Joseph Parker from New Zealand and Agit Kabayel from Germany, both of whom have also shown great performances.
Ajagba’s addition to this list means he now stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the toughest and most famous fighters in the sport. It also highlights Africa’s growing presence in international boxing, as he continues to inspire young Nigerian athletes who dream of reaching the global stage.
Here is the full updated heavyweight ranking from The Ring:
- 1. Oleksandr Usyk (Champion) – 24 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws (15 KOs)
- 2. Tyson Fury – 34 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw (24 KOs)
- 3. Joseph Parker – 36 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (24 KOs)
- 4. Agit Kabayel – 26 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws (17 KOs)
- 5. Daniel Dubois – 22 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (21 KOs)
- 6. Filip Hrgovic – 19 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (14 KOs)
- 7. Fabio Wardley – 19 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw (18 KOs)
- 8. Zhilei Zhang – 27 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw (22 KOs)
- 9. Martin Bakole – 21 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw (16 KOs)
- 10. Moses Itauma – 13 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws (11 KOs)
- 11. Efe Ajagba – 20 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw (14 KOs)
Ajagba’s achievement is not only personal but also national. It boosts Nigeria’s image in international sports and shows that the country has talent beyond its famous football teams. With continued hard work and support, he could soon become the first Nigerian in decades to fight for a heavyweight world title, creating history for his nation.
