Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer, Efe Ajagba, delivered a commanding performance in Las Vegas, stopping former IBF world champion, Charles Martin, in the fourth round of their heavyweight clash.
Ajagba (21-1-1, 15 KOs), who reportedly added 15 pounds of muscle during his training camp, overpowered the American with calculated aggression and superior punching power to secure a statement victory.
The bout began on a competitive note, with Ajagba edging the first round through stiff right hands. Martin, however, responded strongly in the second, landing multiple left hands and displaying sharp movement that briefly unsettled the Nigerian.
Momentum shifted decisively in the third round.
A crushing right hook from Ajagba sent Martin to the canvas, drawing loud reactions from the Las Vegas crowd. The Nigerian followed up with a flurry of punches that left the former champion pinned to the ropes.
In the fourth round, another knockdown paved the way for the finish. Ajagba unleashed a series of heavy right hands as Martin sagged against the ropes, prompting referee Thomas Taylor to step in and stop the contest.
The victory further strengthens Ajagba’s position among the top contenders in the heavyweight division.
Martin, meanwhile, continues a difficult run, suffering his fourth defeat in his last eight fights.
Ajagba had earlier showcased his knockout power with a stoppage win over Australia’s Joseph Goodall in 2023, and Saturday’s triumph over a former world champion marks another significant milestone in his career.
Speaking after the fight, the Nigerian heavyweight made his intentions clear.
“I’m ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m ranked in the top 10, but no one is saying my name,” Ajagba said.
“I’m putting the heavyweight division on notice”, Ajagba, born in the city of Ughelli in Delta State declared.
