Efe Ajagba is calling for an immediate rematch following a contentious majority draw against Martin Bakole on Saturday night — a result he and many observers strongly dispute.
Read Also; Round-by-Round Account as Ajagba vs. Bakole Ends in Thrilling Majority Draw
The judges at ringside were split in their assessment: two scored the bout 95-95, while the third gave Ajagba a narrow 96-94 victory. Unofficial scorecards from Bad Left Hook mirrored that outcome, with both tallying it 96-94 for the Nigerian heavyweight.
Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) rebounded admirably after a swift second-round TKO loss to Joseph Parker in February, stepping up on short notice to challenge Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs). Both fighters delivered a competitive bout, with Ajagba boxing effectively at range and pressing forward, while Bakole showed grit and power, particularly in the later rounds when Ajagba admitted to fading.
Punch stats from CompuBox favored Ajagba, who landed 190 of 451 punches (42%) compared to Bakole’s 145 of 460 (32%). The power punch numbers were razor-thin — 84 for Ajagba to 82 for Bakole.
“I won the fight,” Ajagba said post-fight. “It’s not on me to decide. The judges score the fight. But I won the fight.”
Ajagba, clearly dissatisfied with the draw, expressed interest in running it back — but on his terms.
“I would like the rematch, but in the United States,” he stated firmly.
Bakole, while also claiming victory, welcomed the idea of a rematch — especially with a full training camp behind him.
“After losing to Joseph Parker, I worked hard,” Bakole said. “I think I won the fight, but it is what it is. I will ask [Turki Alalshikh] if we can have a rematch.”
“And next time, with proper preparation, Ajagba won’t go the distance,” he added.
