Ajagba wins in Zuffa boxing debut

Efe Ajagba dominated former world champion Charles Martin, securing a brutal fourth-round stoppage in Las Vegas.

The Nigerian heavyweight (21-1-1, 15 KOs), who added 15 pounds of muscle during training camp, set the tone early with two knockdowns before unleashing three crushing right hands that forced referee Thomas Taylor to halt the bout as Martin slumped helplessly against the ropes.

Ajagba narrowly claimed the opening round with thudding right hands, but former IBF titlist Martin responded sharply in the second. Showing surprising hand speed, he connected with several clean lefts and appeared quicker than his bulked-up opponent.

Momentum shifted decisively in the third. A thunderous right hook from Ajagba sent Martin to the canvas, and a follow-up barrage trapped him on the ropes and firmly swung control of the fight.

Another knockdown in the fourth paved the way for Ajagba to close the show, sealing a statement victory that strengthens his case as a legitimate heavyweight title contender.

For Martin, the defeat marks his fourth loss in eight fights, pushing him further from championship contention.

Afterward, Ajagba made his intentions clear: “I’m ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m ranked in the top 10, but nobody’s calling my name. I’m putting the heavyweight division on notice.”