Tensions flared at the final press conference ahead of tonight’s heavyweight clash as Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Martin Bakole ignited an explosive war of words in Riyadh.
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The two African powerhouses were originally set to square off in an IBF heavyweight title eliminator, but their paths were briefly diverted after Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) took a short-notice bout against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in February.
The Congolese contender stepped in on just two days’ notice and was stopped in the second round, snapping his five-fight win streak.
“The Parker fight was not my fight,” Bakole insisted during Thursday’s heated media event. “This is my fight. The Parker fight was just a phone call. They asked me to come and save the show, so I did.”
Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs), who has reeled off five straight victories, dismissed that narrative and warned Bakole that he would pay the price tonight.
“I’m asking him to be tough because he’s going to be punished,” Ajagba declared. “I’m going to bring out the beast. I want to see what he’s got. I’m just focused on being Africa’s best.”
That comment sparked an intense back-and-forth.
“You better be ready,” Bakole snapped. “You fing talking s.”
“You’re talking s***,” Ajagba fired back. “You keep talking s***, I’m going to close your mouth. I’m going to beat the f***ing shit out of you.
Bakole replied: “You f***ing fought nobody. This is your first fight. This is going to be your first real fight.
“Small body, big energy. You, big body, small energy. Be ready. Be ready,” the Congolese murmur in Pidgin English
Tonight’s all-African heavyweight bout is expected to be one of the standout matchups on a stacked card in Riyadh, with both men looking to assert themselves as the continent’s top heavyweight and push toward world title contention.
Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes battle of power and pride? The answer comes tonight.
