Ajagba vs Bakole IBF Eliminator Moved to Post-February

On Jan 5, 2025

Efe Ajagba vs. Martin Bakole IBF Eliminator Moved to Post-February.

The highly anticipated International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title eliminator between Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole has been rescheduled to take place after February. Originally slated for February 22 on the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout has been shifted to the next major Riyadh Season event, according to Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti.

The clash between Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) and Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) is critical as it will determine the mandatory challenger for IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who defends his title against Joseph Parker on the same February 22 card.

ALSO READ: Efe Ajagba knocks out Joe Goodall in Nevada

Bakole enters the fight riding high after a dominant fifth-round stoppage of Jared Anderson in August. Promoter Ben Shalom, of Boxxer, emphasized the significance of the matchup, stating, “He’s one fight away now from fighting for a world title.”

Ajagba, nicknamed “The Silent Roller,” is coming off a career-best split decision win over Guido Vianello and has expressed readiness for the showdown. Meanwhile, Bakole’s confidence is soaring as he declared himself “a machine” following his demolition of Anderson.

The IBF currently ranks Bakole third and Ajagba fifth, with the top two spots vacant. The winner could face Dubois or the victor of a potential unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

While earlier rumors suggested a possible African venue for the fight, sources now confirm it will remain in Riyadh. Boxing fans eagerly await the final date for this pivotal heavyweight clash.