Ajagba fails to impress in decision win over Rice!
Looking to kick off his debut with Top Rank in a great way, hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba would have to get by Jonathan Rice (13-6-1, 9KOs).
The opening stanza had little to no action. Both men were clearly feeling each other out, trying to establish their distance and rhythm. Two big right hands by Ajagba sent Rice stumbling backwards would highlight a rather slow round two.
The action would pick up in round four as both men would start to open up! Rice would land some eye-popping straight right hands that would highlight the defensive flaws of his Nigerian opponent. Ajagba would not be outdone, as he would land his own hard shots to the head and body that appeared to bother Rice.
Outside of the consistent use of his jab, which was very good, his performance was very inconsistent. The lack of head movement and offensive punch selection made clear that the 26-year-old Nigerian has a long way to go before he is ready for the upper echelon fighters in the heavyweight division. Nonetheless, he would win a unanimous decision over Rice who dropped the ball with his lack of commitment to his offense.
The scores were 99-91 twice and 98-92.
Ajagba improves his record to 14-0, 11 KOs.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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