Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba eliminator for Daniel Dubois' IBF heavyweight world title set for May in the USA

boxing Tuesday 21 January 2025 07:35, UK

Martin Bakole’s final eliminator, to win the right to fight for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title, is set for May.

Bakole will box Efe Ajagba in the USA to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title.

The Congolese contender has previously boxed in Los Angeles when he stopped highly touted prospect Jared Anderson.

"You don't stand with Martin Bakole. I am a big man and I am a machine," he declared after that win. "No one wants to fight me.

"I'm a machine. I'm in this sport to take over. I want to be No 1."

Ejagba has only lost once in his professional career and has been on a five-bout winning run since his 2021 defeat to Frank Sanchez. Most recently Ejagba overcame Guido Vianello, an Italian Olympian.

Bakole has long been highly ranked and is pushing to force a shot at Dubois' title. The IBF has ordered Ajagba, as the next available rated contender, to box Bakole in that final eliminator.

Dubois, who knocked out Anthony Joshua in stunning fashion last year, makes the next defence of his belt on February 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office, when he takes on in-form opponent Joseph Parker.

Bakole versus Ejagba is slated for a May card in America staged by boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

He also intends to bring back Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate bouts.

Garcia's bout with Haney last year was rendered a no contest after he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.

The New York State Athletic Commission banned Garcia for a year, but he would be eligible to box again by May.

A contest with Rolando Romero is earmarked for him while Devin Haney, who has not boxed since his punishing fight with Garcia last April, is set to fight a former world champion, Jose Ramirez on that May card.

Watch Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker, Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 and more on February 22 live on Sky Sports Box Office.