Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole has been installed as a slight betting favourite over Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba ahead of their intriguing clash on May 3 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The bout, which features on the undercard of Canelo Álvarez’s showdown with William Scull, sees bookmakers giving Bakole the edge with odds of 1.27 (-400) compared to Ajagba’s 3.30 (+330).
For Nigerian punters, this means a N20,000 stake on Bakole would return approximately N45,400, while the same amount wagered on Ajagba would yield N66,000 if the Nigerian emerges victorious.
These odds reflect Bakole’s perceived higher ring IQ and marginally superior opposition faced throughout his career, despite his recent setback against Joseph Parker.
The fight represents a golden opportunity for both heavyweights to make significant strides towards a world title shot in a division currently dominated by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk and IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois.
Ajagba, 30, brings an impressive 20-1 record with 14 knockouts into the contest and has been on a remarkable resurgence since his lone professional defeat to Frank Sánchez in October 2021. The Nigerian powerhouse has reeled off five consecutive victories, most recently dispatching Guido Vianello in dominant fashion last April.
“I have the abilities, I have the skills, I have the power, everything to become a heavyweight champion,” Ajagba told Sky Sports as he eyes potential future bouts with the division’s elite.
The hard-hitting Nigerian is renowned for his devastating right hand, impressive reach and durable chin.
“I’m not overstepping. I’m just focused on Martin Bakole first,” Ajagba added. “After that, when I get the victory, that’s when I’m going to step up to fight who I want to fight next. Whether it’s Usyk or Dubois.”
Bakole enters the contest looking for redemption following his second-round knockout loss to Joseph Parker earlier this year. The Congolese fighter had stepped in on just two days’ notice after Dubois withdrew due to illness, but found himself on the canvas in dramatic fashion.
Despite this setback, Bakole’s résumé remains impressive with victories over notable opponents including Jared Anderson, Tony Yoka and Carlos Takam, convincing many boxing experts that he still presents a formidable challenge.
Ajagba has dismissed any notion that Bakole’s confidence might be diminished after the Parker defeat.
“To me, in my opinion, I don’t think so. I’m not going to take that knockout that he has (against Parker) to myself,” said Ajagba. “I’m going to have more confidence to fight Martin Bakole. I’m preparing for (the best of) him.”
The Nigerian has intensified his preparations for the crucial bout, recently training with British heavyweight Johnny Fisher, as he fine-tunes his strategy.
The consensus among boxing experts leans towards a Bakole victory by stoppage, though a decision win remains possible for either fighter. For Ajagba, his clearest path to victory would be landing his trademark right hand for an emphatic knockout – something the Nigerian certainly knows how to deliver.
