By Peter Omopo
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has broken into the world’s top 10 rankings, according to the latest update released by The Ring magazine on Thursday.
The 30-year-old pugilist, who boasts a professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw with 14 knockouts, is now ranked No. 10, cementing his status among the sport’s elite.
Ajagba’s inclusion in the prestigious list—widely considered boxing’s most respected independent ratings—follows a string of impressive victories that have reignited his push for a world title shot. His latest triumph further reinforced his reputation as one of Africa’s leading heavyweight contenders.
At the top of the rankings, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk remains the division’s champion, with Britain’s Tyson Fury ranked first among the contenders. New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and Germany’s Agit Kabayel complete the top three positions.
Founded in 1922, The Ring magazine updates its ratings monthly, drawing input from boxing journalists and historians worldwide. The development makes Ajagba the only Nigerian currently ranked among the heavyweight top 10, a significant milestone for Nigerian boxing.
Below is the full updated heavyweight ranking by The Ring:
- Oleksandr Usyk (Champion) – 24-0-0 (15 KOs)
- Tyson Fury – 34-2-1 (24 KOs)
- Joseph Parker – 36-3-0 (24 KOs)
- Agit Kabayel – 26-0-0 (17 KOs)
- Daniel Dubois – 22-3-0 (21 KOs)
- Filip Hrgovic – 19-1-0 (14 KOs)
- Fabio Wardley – 19-0-1 (18 KOs)
- Zhilei Zhang – 27-3-1 (22 KOs)
- Martin Bakole – 21-2-1 (16 KOs)
- Moses Itauma – 13-0-0 (11 KOs)
- Efe Ajagba – 20-1-1 (14 KOs)
Ajagba’s rise is seen as a major boost for Nigeria’s presence in the global boxing scene and could pave the way for a potential shot at the heavyweight crown in the near future.
