Heavyweights Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba have agreed to fight in 2025 – the date for the IBF eliminator has not yet been set.
Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 knockouts) and Efe Ajagba (20-1, 14 knockouts) will meet next year in an elimination fight for the IBF title. This is currently held by Daniel Dubois, who will face Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh as part of the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Originally, Bakole-Ajagba, like Dubois-Parker, was to be placed on the undercard. However, as there are already seven important fights on the program, this fight was sacrificed for the time being. It will now take place at the next major event in Riyadh.
There had been speculation that the fight could take place in Africa, where the Riyadh Season will be held next year. However, this speculation has been put to rest. “It’s settled,” said Carl Moretti from Top Rank. “Boxing will take place in Riyadh. The fight was supposed to be on the February undercard, but they postponed it, so I’m assuming it will be on the next event.” The IBF currently has Bakole ranked third and Ajagba fifth, with the top two spots vacant. Frank Sanchez, who defeated Ajagba on points in 2021, is ranked fourth. German heavyweight Agit Kabayel, who was originally slated for the IBF eliminator, is currently not in the top 15.
Text by Robin Josten