On May 3, 2025, heavyweight contenders Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole squared off in a highly anticipated bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This matchup, featured on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez�s title defense against William Scull, concluded in a controversial majority draw, sparking widespread debate among boxing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Originally slated as an IBF final eliminator, the stakes of the Ajagba-Bakole fight shifted following Bakole�s unexpected second-round knockout loss to Joseph Parker in February 2025. Bakole had stepped in on just two days� notice to replace an ill Daniel Dubois, a decision that, while commendable, led to questions about his readiness and conditioning. Despite this setback, the bout with Ajagba proceeded, albeit without the IBF eliminator designation.
Ajagba entered the ring with a 20-1 record, his sole defeat coming from Frank Sanchez in 2021. Bakole, holding a 21-2 record, was eager to rebound from his recent loss and reestablish himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
The ten-round contest unfolded as a clash of styles. Ajagba utilized his reach advantage and footwork to control the distance, effectively keeping Bakole at bay during the early rounds. His jab and movement disrupted Bakole�s rhythm, preventing the Congolese fighter from landing significant combinations.
Bakole, known for his power and aggression, found more success in the later rounds, pressing the action and landing heavier shots as Ajagba�s pace slowed. Despite this late surge, statistical data from CompuBox indicated that Ajagba landed 190 of 451 punches (42%), while Bakole connected with 145 of 460 (32%), suggesting a slight edge for the Nigerian fighter.�
At the conclusion of ten rounds, the judges rendered a majority draw: two scored the bout 95-95, while one judge favored Ajagba with a 96-94 score.� This outcome was met with immediate backlash from fans and boxing figures, including journalist Dan Rafael and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who labeled the decision a �robbery.� Many argued that Ajagba�s technical proficiency and control throughout the majority of the fight warranted a clear victory.
Post-Fight Reactions and Future Implications
Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch to settle the controversy. Ajagba suggested the rematch take place in the United States, while Bakole, acknowledging his less-than-ideal preparation due to weight-cutting challenges, believed a full training camp would yield a different outcome.�
The draw leaves both boxers at a crossroads in their careers. For Ajagba, the performance reaffirmed his status as a skilled contender capable of competing at the highest level. For Bakole, the fight highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in preparation and conditioning. A rematch could provide clarity and potentially propel the winner closer to a title shot in the competitive heavyweight landscape.
As the boxing community continues to debate the outcome, the Ajagba-Bakole bout stands as a testament to the sport�s unpredictability and the fine margins that often separate victory from controversy.
