Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba has surged into The Ring magazine’s top 10 rankings, claiming the No. 10 spot in Thursday’s latest update. The 30-year-old, with a record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw with 14 knockouts, has pushed out compatriot Anthony Joshua, who fell off the list due to recent losses and inactivity. Ajagba’s string of strong performances has solidified his place as Africa’s leading heavyweight contender and Nigeria’s only representative in the elite tier.
The Ring, a boxing authority since 1922, updates its rankings monthly based on fight outcomes, skill, and legacy, with input from global boxing journalists. Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk reigns as champion, while Britain’s Tyson Fury tops the contenders. Here’s the current heavyweight lineup:
Champion: Oleksandr Usyk (24 wins, 0 losses, 15 knockouts)
1. Tyson Fury (34 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 24 knockouts)
2. Joseph Parker (36 wins, 3 losses, 24 knockouts)
3. Agit Kabayel (26 wins, 0 losses, 17 knockouts)
4. Daniel Dubois (22 wins, 3 losses, 21 knockouts)
5. Filip Hrgovic (19 wins, 1 loss, 14 knockouts)
6. Fabio Wardley (19 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, 18 knockouts)
7. Zhilei Zhang (27 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 22 knockouts)
8. Martin Bakole (21 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 16 knockouts)
9. Moses Itauma (13 wins, 0 losses, 11 knockouts)
10. Efe Ajagba (20 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 14 knockouts)
Joshua, sidelined since losing twice to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, slipped from No. 5 and faces a steep climb back. Ajagba’s rise marks a bright spot for Nigerian boxing, signaling bigger things ahead.
