Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba has intensified his rivalry with former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua, declaring that Joshua “won’t last long” in a fight against him. Ajagba’s challenge adds fuel to an increasingly personal feud, despite Joshua previously showing support for him.
Ajagba, 31, made the statement during an interview with Morson Sport, where he confidently claimed he would defeat Joshua more convincingly than Daniel Dubois did in their September 2024 bout. “Yeah, 100% (I’ll beat him worse than Dubois). He won’t last long,” Ajagba said bluntly.
The Delta-born boxer holds a solid professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 14 of those victories coming by knockout. His most recent bout, a majority draw against Martin Bakole in Riyadh has not shaken his ambition to rise to the top of the heavyweight division. Ajagba remains determined and appears focused on landing a blockbuster fight with Joshua.
Tensions between the two fighters have escalated in recent months. While Joshua had publicly backed Ajagba ahead of his fight with Bakole, calling him a “good boxer” and expressing support based on their shared Nigerian roots, Ajagba has responded with scorn. In particular, Ajagba questioned Joshua’s Nigerian identity, saying, “He’s not a real Nigerian. He might have just been there and that’s where his parents came from, but for me, I’m the original Nigerian, to be honest.”
Ajagba dismissed Joshua’s efforts to connect with Nigeria despite Joshua being seen training in the country and receiving strong local support. “He just goes there for social media content,” Ajagba remarked. “It’s ok, it’s all good, but I’m the original Nigerian.”
The comments have surprised many, especially in light of Joshua’s supportive stance. Earlier this year, Joshua had emphasized unity, saying, “Two giants of Africa coming together to collide. It’s going to be an interesting fight. Efe is a good boxer, and obviously, I’m going to support him, even though he doesn’t support me.”
Since suffering his only career loss to Frank Sanchez in 2021, Ajagba has been on a strong run, winning five consecutive fights before his draw with Bakole. He’s currently ranked No.10 by The Ring magazine and continues to express confidence in his championship potential: “I have the abilities, I have the skills, I have the power, everything to become a heavyweight champion.”
Meanwhile, Joshua, 35, is on a quest to rebuild after a tough few years. Following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, his latest defeat came at the hands of Daniel Dubois. With time ticking on his career, Joshua is seeking one last run at the heavyweight summit.
A potential all-Nigerian heavyweight clash between Ajagba and Joshua now seems more likely, and more personal. What began as shared national pride has turned into a rivalry fuelled by bold claims, deep skepticism, and the pursuit of legacy in the ring.
