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Steve KimESPN
Heavyweight Efe Ajagba is the newest addition to the Top Rank stable, as he has signed a multiyear promotional contract with the company.
Twenty-six-year-old Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) represented Nigeria in the 2016 Olympics before turning professional in 2017. He signed with Richard Schaefer’s Ringstar Sports. Fighting mostly on PBC cards, Ajagba developed a reputation as a heavy-handed puncher.
So much so that in August 2018, Curtis Harper simply walked out of the ring as the bell rang to start their fight at the Armory in Minneapolis rather than face the 6-foot-6, 240-pound boxer. Ajagba was eventually ruled a winner by disqualification at one second of the opening round.
He recently signed with manager James Prince and will now be trained by Kay Koroma, who replaces Ronnie Shields.
“I made this decision to become a better boxer and to advance my career. That’s why I signed with James Prince and Top Rank,” Ajagba said. “When I return to the ring soon, you will see a new Efe Ajagba. Kay Koroma and I are working on my head movement and defense as I seek to become a more well-rounded fighter.”
It’s not clear when Ajagba will make his first start under the Top Rank banner.
“Efe Ajagba is one of the most gifted young heavyweights I’ve seen in quite some time,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has immense physical tools and a great work ethic. I have the utmost confidence that we’re looking at a future heavyweight champion.”
Ajagba is currently rated 14th by the WBC and 12th by the WBA.