The Worldwide Boxing Federation has ordered Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-1-0, 16KOs) to face Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba (20-1-0, 14KOs) for the precise to grow to be the obligatory challenger for its heavyweight title.
The IBF determination got here on account of Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang’s withdrawal from the struggle towards Bakole, paving the way in which for Ajagba to step in.
Ranked No. 4 within the IBF standings, Bakole has been on a dominant run, together with his most up-to-date victory coming towards Jared Anderson in August.
After the emphatic win, the Congolese fighter declared his intent to dominate the division, stating, “You don’t stand with Martin Bakole. I’m an enormous man, and I’m a machine. Nobody needs to struggle me.”
Ajagba, who occupies the No. 7 spot within the IBF rankings, has readily accepted the problem, signalling his readiness with a assured “Let’s go.” on the social media publish confirming the struggle.
The Nigerian boxer, nicknamed “The Silent Curler,” boasts a formidable report and has been touted as one of many high rising forces within the heavyweight division.
This matchup units the stage for a conflict of two hard-hitting heavyweights, every with their sights set on a world title alternative. Whereas Bakole’s energy and aggressive fashion have earned him a fame as a harmful contender, Ajagba’s resilience and precision make him a formidable opponent.
The winner of the bout will safe the place because the obligatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title, at present held by Daniel Dubois. Dubois is scheduled for an elective title defence in February, with a unification bout towards the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch doubtlessly on the horizon.
Ajagba’s rise to prominence has been intently watched, notably after incomes the WBC silver title earlier this yr. His conflict with Bakole is predicted to be a real check of his credentials as a future world champion.
Because the heavyweight division continues to warmth up with high-profile matchups, the encounter between Bakole and Ajagba guarantees to ship fireworks, with each fighters decided to cement their place amongst boxing elite.