NIGERIAN boxer Efe Ajagba earned a big win in the early hours of today, beating Stephen Shaw via a unanimous decision in a heavyweight clash in New York, United States of America.
The 2015 African Games gold medallist improved his impressive professional record to 17-1, winning his second straight fight after having surgery on both elbows last year.
The fight was the main event of a Top Rank promotion, with Shaw coming in with an undefeated 18-0 record, only to be dominated by the big Nigerian.
Shaw was a late replacement for the injured Oscar Rivas but was considered a dangerous opponent for Ajagba, who is steadily building up an intimidating resume since turning pro.
Ajagba, who has won 13 of his bouts via knockout, re-established himself as a contender to watch after a solid display during a largely uneventful encounter at Turning Stone Resort Casino, with all three judges scoring the 10-round clash 96-94 in favour of the Nigerian.
The 28-year-old former African amateur champion was trailing on all three cards against Shaw (18-1, 13 KOs), but he rallied later and landed far more punches and jabs than the American over the last four rounds to claim victory.
“I went back to the corner and they told me to let my hands go, keep throwing punches, my jab. I controlled the fight, so that’s how I won the fight,” Ajagba said in his post-fight interview.
Shaw was due to originally be on the undercard and face Italian prospect Guido Vianello, who suffered a shock defeat earlier in the evening when he was stopped in the seventh round by Jonnie Rice (16-6-1, 11 KOs).
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