Efe Ajagba, the WBC Silver heavyweight title holder, recently returned to his homeland of Nigeria, a triumphant homecoming marked by his burgeoning success in the world of professional boxing. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to return with a championship belt, acknowledging his humble beginnings and the journey that led him to this pinnacle. Known by his moniker, “Silent Roller,” Ajagba explained the origin of the nickname, highlighting his reserved demeanor and preference for letting his actions in the ring speak louder than words. He simply comes in, does his job, and rolls on, leaving a trail of victories in his wake.
Ajagba’s path to international recognition was not without its challenges. He candidly spoke about his early struggles navigating the complexities of boxing contracts, a common pitfall for young, inexperienced fighters in Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape. He cautioned aspiring boxers to be vigilant and informed, learning from his own experience of signing an unfavorable contract in his eagerness to advance his career. He credited his wife for helping him rectify the situation, underscoring the importance of having a strong support system. Despite the hardships, Ajagba emphasizes that unwavering passion can overcome any obstacle, including contractual setbacks and the economic realities of his home country. He believes that the younger generation of boxers is better equipped with information and resources than he was, which will hopefully protect them from similar pitfalls.
Reflecting on the success of African fighters in combat sports, Ajagba attributes their prowess to a combination of inherent strength, power, and mental fortitude. He believes this natural strength, honed by the challenges of life in Africa, gives them a distinct advantage in the ring. He advises fellow African fighters to refine their technique, building upon their inherent power to achieve even greater success. This combination of natural physical attributes and a resilient mindset, forged in the crucible of everyday life, creates a unique and formidable competitor.
Ajagba acknowledges his reputation as a fearsome puncher, particularly the power of his right hand. While acknowledging similarities to the legendary Mike Tyson in terms of self-belief and knockout power, he distinguishes himself by highlighting the strategic difference imposed by their respective physical statures. Tyson’s shorter stature allows for an aggressive, close-range fighting style, whereas Ajagba’s reach dictates a different approach. He prefers to control the distance, forcing opponents to come to him, strategically capitalizing on his reach advantage. He recognizes that getting knocked out would require him to take unnecessary risks and deviate from his established fighting style.
Ajagba’s confidence stems from an unblemished record, both in professional fights and sparring sessions. He claims to have never been knocked out, even in sparring, asserting his dominance over sparring partners to the point where many are reluctant to train with him. He attributes this to the intensity and seriousness he brings to every sparring session, treating it as a real fight. This dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence contribute to his reputation as a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
When asked about the most dangerous sport, Ajagba unequivocally points to boxing. He recounts anecdotes of athletes from other sports, such as American football, attempting to box only to be quickly humbled by the reality of the sport. He highlights the unique vulnerability of boxers, who, unlike team athletes, cannot be substituted when injured. This isolation in the ring, coupled with the constant threat of serious injury, makes boxing a uniquely demanding and perilous sport. Ajagba notes the stark contrast between the team support offered in other sports and the solitary nature of boxing, where fighters must endure and overcome adversity on their own.
Among the current crop of heavyweight contenders, Ajagba identifies Oleksandr Usyk as a fighter who demands his respect. He acknowledges Usyk’s technical prowess and strategic brilliance, referring to him as “The Cat” for his elusive movements and precise counterpunching. While not dismissing other fighters, Ajagba recognizes the unique challenge posed by Usyk’s advanced boxing skills and his proven ability to defeat top-ranked heavyweights like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Usyk’s ability to outmaneuver and outthink opponents, rather than relying solely on power, makes him a particularly intriguing and dangerous adversary.
Addressing the often-discussed topic of superstitious practices in boxing, specifically the use of “juju” or charms, Ajagba expresses skepticism. While acknowledging that some may attempt to employ such tactics, he firmly believes that true success in the ring is determined by skill, training, and mental fortitude. He recounts personal experiences of being targeted by such practices in Nigeria but dismisses their effectiveness, stating that they do not influence the outcome of a fight. He emphasizes the stringent pre-fight checks in professional boxing, particularly abroad, which would prevent the use of any unauthorized substances or objects.
Looking ahead, Ajagba is focused on securing a world title shot. He maintains a rigorous training regimen, keeping his body in peak condition for the opportunity. He anticipates setting up a dedicated training camp, incorporating sparring with high-level athletes to hone his skills and prepare for the ultimate challenge. His ultimate ambition is to bring a world title fight to Africa, specifically Nigeria, fulfilling a lifelong dream of competing for the highest honor in his home country.
Ajagba believes he is just one fight away from a world title opportunity. He expressed some frustration about the reshuffling of the heavyweight division following Martin Bakole’s decision to fight Joseph Parker, a move which disrupted Ajagba’s own trajectory. He believes Bakole underestimated Parker and suffered the consequences. Despite this setback, Ajagba remains confident in his ability to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
In a final message to aspiring boxers and young people in Nigeria, Ajagba emphasizes the importance of perseverance. He acknowledges the economic hardship prevalent in the country but urges them not to abandon their passions. His own journey, from humble beginnings to the cusp of a world title, serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities. He encourages the youth to keep pushing, regardless of the obstacles they face, and to strive for excellence in their chosen pursuits.
