Fans were left fuming after officials declared the heavyweight clash between Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba and DR Congo’s Martin Bakole a majority draw, insisting Ajagba had done enough to earn the victory.
The high-stakes bout took place on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull event at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. Over 10 intense rounds, both heavyweights traded power shots, but many believed Ajagba controlled most of the action.
Ajagba dominated the early rounds with a disciplined game plan, effectively frustrating the heavier Bakole, who was eager to brawl. Although the Congolese fighter found success in the ninth and tenth rounds, many felt it wasn’t enough to overturn Ajagba’s early lead.
Judges Bob Williams and Pablo Gonzalez both scored the fight 95-95, while Kieran McCann gave Ajagba a narrow edge at 96-94.
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The verdict didn’t sit well with fans, who took to social media to express outrage.
“Ajagba had won that fight hands down. It’s disappointing those two judges didn’t reflect that — their lack of sincerity was obvious. Even the commentators seemed to be rooting for Bakole,” wrote Zidane of Newtown (@the_realrix) on X.
“I was rooting for Bakole, but Efe clearly won more rounds. That draw is classic boxing politics — like Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach. Efe got robbed,” added @sireflames1.
Another fan wrote, “6-4 Efe. That’s a damn shame. He fought a nearly perfect fight. Bakole should be thanking his stars for that draw.”
“Ajagba won that fight, man. Bakole was lucky to escape without a loss,” said @AShariff02, while @gonzo23 added, “Thought Ajagba won, even if he gave away a few rounds. Still didn’t see a draw.”
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