Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has surfaced as a strong contender for Daniel Dubois’ International Boxing Federation (IBF) world heavyweight title, as uncertainty looms over Anthony Joshua’s rematch with the champion.
The IBF has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top-15-ranked fighter before April 22, 2025. Ajagba, ranked eighth by the IBF and currently holding the WBC Silver title, is among the leading candidates for the fight.
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed that the champion will defend his title in February 2025, ruling out an immediate rematch with Joshua. “Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren said in an interview with Sky Sports.
Dubois, 27, won the IBF title with a dramatic fifth-round knockout of Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September. Known for his explosive power, Dubois has an impressive record of 21 knockouts in 22 victories. Ajagba, 29, boasts a record of 14 knockouts in 20 fights with just one defeat, making him a formidable potential opponent.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has cited injuries and the need for more recovery time as reasons for delaying the rematch until at least 2026. Joshua, who has earned over $200 million in his career and pocketed $75 million in 2024 alone, is still recovering from injuries sustained during the September fight.
“Joshua will be out of the picture for a while due to mandatory challenger obligations,” Warren explained. He added, “The fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a voluntary defense period. He can fight in February and has until April or May to fulfill it.”
A matchup between Dubois and Ajagba could set the stage for an explosive heavyweight clash, with both fighters closely matched in size, strength, and knockout power. IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed that Dubois’ optional defense is within the governing body’s regulations.
The winner of this potential bout may also position themselves for a unification fight against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia, where the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts will be on the line.
Fans eagerly await confirmation of Dubois’ February opponent, with Ajagba representing a significant step in the Nigerian’s quest for heavyweight glory.
