NIGERIAN boxing sensation Efe Ajagba has officially broken into the world’s top 10 heavyweight rankings, earning recognition from The Ring magazine, one of the sport’s most respected and influential rating authorities.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that in its latest rankings published on Thursday, the 30-year-old powerhouse was listed at No. 10, cementing his status as one of the leading contenders in the global heavyweight division.
Ajagba, who boasts an impressive professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 14 victories by knockout, now shares the elite list with some of the biggest names in modern boxing.
At the very top sits Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning champion and undisputed king of the division, followed by Britain’s Tyson Fury, who occupies the number one contender spot.
New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and Germany’s unbeaten Agit Kabayel round out the top three. Other big names include Daniel Dubois, Filip Hrgovic, Fabio Wardley, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole, and teenage prodigy Moses Itauma.
Ajagba’s ranking marks him as the only Nigerian currently in The Ring’s heavyweight top 10, and one of the very few African fighters commanding global recognition at the highest level.
Ajagba’s entry into the coveted list comes on the back of a series of dominant performances that have reignited his quest for a world title. Known for his thunderous punching power, towering physique, and relentless pressure style, the Ughelli-born fighter has carved a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers.
His most recent victory, which showcased both discipline and devastating finishing ability, played a crucial role in convincing analysts that he is ready to contend among the heavyweight elite.
Founded in 1922, The Ring is widely considered the “Bible of Boxing.” Its rankings, updated monthly, are compiled by a panel of respected boxing journalists and historians around the world. Fighters are judged not just on wins and losses, but also on quality of opposition, performance, and career trajectory.
For Ajagba, breaking into The Ring’s top 10 represents more than just a personal milestone — it signals that Nigeria once again has a legitimate contender in boxing’s most glamorous and competitive division.
Full Heavyweight Rankings (The Ring, September 2025):
Champion: Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) — 24-0-0 (15 KOs)
Tyson Fury (UK) — 34-2-1 (24 KOs)
Joseph Parker (New Zealand) — 36-3-0 (24 KOs)
Agit Kabayel (Germany) — 26-0-0 (17 KOs)
Daniel Dubois (UK) — 22-3-0 (21 KOs)
Filip Hrgovic (Croatia) — 19-1-0 (14 KOs)
Fabio Wardley (UK) — 19-0-1 (18 KOs)
Zhilei Zhang (China) — 27-3-1 (22 KOs)
Martin Bakole (Congo/Scotland) — 21-2-1 (16 KOs)
Moses Itauma (UK) — 13-0-0 (11 KOs)
Efe Ajagba (Nigeria) — 20-1-1 (14 KOs)
Ajagba’s breakthrough is a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa, as the country has historically produced world-class boxers such as Dick Tiger and Samuel Peter.
His ascent revives hopes of seeing a Nigerian fighter once again challenging for and potentially holding, the heavyweight crown.
With the division currently stacked with established champions and rising stars, Ajagba’s next few fights could prove decisive in determining whether he remains a top-10 fixture or climbs even higher towards a world title shot.