Efe Ajagba biography, career achievements, net worth

Efe Ajagba is a Nigerian professional heavyweight boxer, widely known for holding the record for the fastest victory in boxing history, just one second after his opponent was disqualified for leaving the ring at the opening bell.

Nicknamed “The Silent Roller,” Ajagba has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most successful boxers, earning recognition on both the amateur and professional stage.

Profile summary

Name: Efe Ajagba

Born: 22nd April, 1994

Place of birth: Delta

Religion: Christianity

Relationship status: Married

Career: Boxer

Early Life

Born on April 22, 1994, in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, Efe Ajagba spent his early years in the oil-rich town where he first fell in love with sports.

His initial passion was football, which he played actively for a local club between 2005 and 2010.

However, in 2011, he discovered boxing a decision that would change the course of his life and set him on the path to global recognition.

Before lacing up his gloves, he worked at a bakery, earning a living while nurturing bigger dreams.

His raw power and dedication quickly caught the attention of coach Anthony Konyegwachie, who became a key figure in his early career.

Career Success

Nigeria soon discovered Ajagba’s potential when he joined the national boxing team.

In 2014, he represented the country at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, defeating Tonga’s Junior Fa and South Africa’s Paul Schafer on his way to the semifinals.

Though he lost to Australia’s Joseph Goodall, he secured a bronze medal for Nigeria.

The following year, Ajagba returned stronger, capturing gold at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville after a dominant performance against Seychelles’ Keddy Angnes in the final.

In 2016, he further cemented his status by winning the African Olympic Qualification Tournament in Cameroon, securing Nigeria’s only boxing slot at the Rio Olympics.

His performance in Yaoundé, including victories over boxers from Uganda, Tunisia, and Morocco, was hailed as a breakthrough for Nigerian boxing.

Entering the professional ranks

Ajagba turned professional in July 2017 in the United States, stopping Tyrell Herndon in the first round of his debut.

His rise was rapid, as his knockout power and imposing physique overwhelmed opponents.

He gained worldwide attention on August 24, 2018, when he recorded the fastest victory in boxing history.

His opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring one second after the opening bell in protest over pay issues, leaving Ajagba the winner by disqualification.

Over the next few years, Ajagba built a strong reputation, stopping notable opponents like Amir Mansour, Michael Wallisch, and Razvan Cojanu.

His Top Rank debut came in September 2020 against Jonathan Rice, where he claimed a unanimous decision. In April 2021, he returned to his knockout ways with a brutal stoppage of Brian Howard.

Challenges

Ajagba’s first professional loss came in October 2021 against the slick Cuban boxer Frank Sánchez on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III.

Dropped during the fight, Ajagba lost by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 98–91, 98–91, and 97–92.

However, he bounced back impressively. In August 2023, he won the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight title after Zhan Kossobutskiy was disqualified for repeated low blows.

He defended the belt against Joseph Goodall in November 2023, stopping his old amateur rival in the fourth round.

In April 2024, he narrowly defeated Italy’s Guido Vianello by split decision to retain the title.

Most recently, in May 2025, Ajagba fought Martin Bakole in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a high-stakes heavyweight clash.

The bout ended in a majority draw, leaving Ajagba with a professional record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

Achievements

2014 Commonwealth Games: Bronze medal (super-heavyweight)

2015 African Games: Gold medal (super-heavyweight)

WBC Silver Heavyweight Champion (2023–present)

Net worth

Efe Ajagba’s net worth is estimated between $4 million and $6 million, earned primarily through fight purses, endorsements, and international appearances.

His move to the U.S. and signing with Top Rank significantly boosted his career earnings, placing him among Africa’s wealthiest active boxers.