Efe Ajagba breaks into ring’s top 10 heavyweight rankings

‎ Boluwatife Kehinde

‎Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has earned a spot among the world’s elite after being ranked in the top 10 of The Ring magazine’s latest heavyweight ratings.

‎The respected boxing publication, which released its updated rankings on Thursday, placed Ajagba at No. 10, making him the only Nigerian currently featured in the list. The 30-year-old fighter has steadily built a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers, with a professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw — 14 of those victories coming by knockout.

‎Ajagba’s rise follows a series of commanding performances that have reignited his world title ambitions. His most recent outing further solidified his credentials as one of the leading contenders emerging from Africa, reinforcing his status as a serious force in the global heavyweight scene.

‎At the very top of the rankings is Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the champion’s position after unifying the major belts. Britain’s Tyson Fury sits as the No. 1 contender, followed by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and Germany’s Agit Kabayel in second and third place respectively. The list also includes big names such as Daniel Dubois, Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, and rising British prospect Moses Itauma, showing the competitive depth of today’s heavyweight division.

‎Ajagba’s inclusion highlights his steady progress since turning professional in 2017. Known for his towering frame and knockout power, the Nigerian made headlines early in his career when he recorded the fastest victory in boxing history — winning a bout in one second after his opponent walked out of the ring. Since then, he has sharpened his craft, combining his natural power with improved technique and patience inside the ring.

‎Founded in 1922, The Ring magazine is widely regarded as the “Bible of Boxing,” and its rankings are compiled monthly with input from boxing historians and journalists worldwide. Placement on the list is considered one of the sport’s highest recognitions outside of championship belts.

‎For Ajagba, the recognition marks another significant milestone in his career and sets him firmly on the path toward future world title opportunities.