The straight right was the weapon, thrown tight and straight down the pipe, full weight behind it. That is how heavyweights close the show.
At the press conference he did not soften his stance or dance around names.
“It doesn’t matter. Usyk, Tyson Fury, Wilder, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m willing to fight anybody in the top ten.”
That is the correct call after a knockout. You ask for men who can punch back and sit in the top ten.
Since the 2021 loss to Frank Sanchez, Ajagba has rebuilt with five wins and a draw against Martin Bakole that many in the boxing scene scored his way. The Bakole fight showed where he still needs work. When the pressure came, his combinations narrowed and his stamina dropped late. Against Martin, he stayed behind the jab longer, forced exchanges when he was set, and let the right hand go only when the guard split.
More composed. Better punch discipline.
The business side is less tidy. Dana White wants his Zuffa belt positioned as the top strap and has little patience for the alphabet bodies. Usyk still holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. Those organizations keep the rankings and call the mandatories, whether anyone likes it or not.
If Ajagba wants Usyk, Fury, or Wilder, contracts and broadcast dates must line up. Fury is pencilled in to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov. Wilder has Derek Chisora in front of him.
Belts move when mandatories are satisfied and money is agreed. Until Zuffa lands one of the established names in the ring, its strap runs alongside the current order.
Ajagba’s job is technical. Sharpen the work inside. Keep the counters tight when backed to the ropes. Show that his conditioning holds over twelve hard rounds with a steady jab and layered combinations. Against Martin, the right hand was enough. Against Usyk or Fury, he would need ring positioning, punch variety, and the discipline to work the body before headhunting.
Right now, he is a dangerous puncher with momentum.
Against top heavyweights, he will have to show he can set the pace, take a shot, and keep his feet under him when the return fire comes hard.
Read the full article here
