The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered a thrilling showdown between Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-1-0, 16KOs) and Nigerian powerhouse Efe Ajagba (20-1-0, 14KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger for its heavyweight title.

This decision follows the withdrawal of Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang, leaving Bakole and Ajagba as the top contenders. Ranked No. 4 in the IBF standings, Bakole is riding high after a dominant victory over Jared Anderson in August. Known for his aggressive style, Bakole declared, “I am a machine. No one wants to fight me.”

Ajagba, ranked No. 7, quickly accepted the challenge, signaling his intent with a confident “Let’s go.” Nicknamed “The Silent Roller,” Ajagba is regarded as one of the most promising rising stars in heavyweight boxing, with his precise punching and resilience earning him a WBC Silver title earlier this year.

The winner of this high-stakes bout will secure a mandatory title shot against current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. With Dubois expected to make an optional title defense in February and a potential unification bout with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury on the horizon, this eliminator adds even more excitement to the already red-hot heavyweight division