…I prefer the U.S. or Africa for the rematch – Ajagba
Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba has called for a rematch following his controversial majority draw against DR Congo’s Martin Bakole in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The two African powerhouses clashed on Saturday at the ANB Arena, with high expectations leading into the 10-round bout. Judges Bob Williams and Pablo Gonzalez scored the fight 95-95, while Kieran McCann gave Ajagba the edge at 96-94, resulting in a majority draw.
The Nigerian started strong, dominating the early rounds and keeping Bakole at bay with effective movement and sharp counters. Although Bakole grew into the fight in the later rounds and landed several solid shots, he struggled to fully corner Ajagba, who remained composed and evasive.
Disappointed by the result, the 31-year-old voiced his frustration in his post-fight interview, insisting he had done enough to win and proposing a rematch on different soil.
More Read
“To be honest, I won the fight,” Ajagba said. “But it’s not up to me—it’s the judges’ decision. Still, if you ask me, I clearly won. I’m open to a rematch, but it has to be in the United States or in Africa. Bakole knows I beat him.”
Bakole, for his part, also claimed victory but accepted the judges’ call and echoed Ajagba’s sentiment about a rematch, suggesting it take place in his homeland.
“I thought I won, but it is what it is,” he said. “I’ll ask His Excellency if we can make the rematch happen. I’d love for it to be in Congo—a big fight between two Africans. Joshua ran away.”
Bakole entered the ring wearing a shirt that read RIP George Foreman, honoring the late heavyweight legend who passed away last month. His outfit also paid tribute to his heritage, with the DR Congo flag emblazoned on his shorts, referencing the country’s historic link to Foreman’s famous Rumble in the Jungle bout in 1974.
© Bold Media Innovations & Creative Hub Limited. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
