Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has been listed as one of Top Rank’s six fighters to watch in 2025. The promotional company highlighted Ajagba alongside other rising stars, including Christian Mbilli from France and Puerto Rican prospect Xander Zayas, in a video shared on their social media platforms.

The 30-year-old Ajagba, with an impressive record of 20 wins (14 KOs) and one loss, is preparing for a pivotal International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title eliminator against Martin Bakole. The winner of the clash will earn a mandatory title shot against current champion Daniel Dubois.

Initially slated for the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card on February 22 in Riyadh, the Ajagba-Bakole bout has been rescheduled to a later date, according to Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti.

“It’s agreed to,” Moretti confirmed. “It was supposed to be on the February show, but they moved it off. I anticipate it will be on the next show after February.”

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom expressed excitement about the matchup, stating, “That’s a fight we’d like to put on. Martin is one fight away from challenging for a world title, and I’m sure Riyadh would be interested in hosting it again.”

Bakole, currently ranked third by the IBF, gained significant momentum after defeating previously unbeaten Jared Anderson in August. Ajagba, ranked fifth, is eyeing his chance to climb the ranks and secure his first shot at a world title.

Other fighters featured in Top Rank’s “2025 Fighters to Watch” list include Americans Bruce Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs), and Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs).

The winner of the Ajagba-Bakole showdown will position themselves for a future IBF title fight, with Dubois scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker. A potential unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury could further shake up the heavyweight division.