Efe Ajagba Breaks into World Top 10 Heavyweight Rankings

By Ademola Adekusibe
September 25, 2025

Nigerian boxer Efe Ajagba has been ranked among the top 10 heavyweight fighters in the world by The Ring magazine.

Ajagba, 30, secured the No. 10 spot in the latest rankings released by the respected boxing outlet, becoming the only Nigerian currently listed. His inclusion comes after a series of strong performances in the professional ranks, where he has built a record of 20 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, with 14 victories coming by knockout.

The development also coincided with the removal of former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua from the rankings due to inactivity.

Ajagba, who won gold at the 2015 African Games and represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics, has steadily risen through the professional ranks since turning pro in 2017. His recent bouts, including a knockout victory over Joseph Goodall, helped secure his place among the division’s elite.

Recalling his memorable 23-second knockout at the Rio Olympics, Ajagba once joked about the source of his power: “I just focused all the anger I had for the Nigerian government in one blow.”

With the new ranking, Ajagba is expected to be in contention for bigger fights, including a proposed eliminator against Cuban heavyweight Frank Sánchez, which could move him closer to a title opportunity.