Brian Howard knows team Ajagba only called because of previous defeat
When opportunity knocks, being ready to answer is a must. That is why heavyweight fighter Brian “MVP” Howard (15-4, 12ko) is ready to test heavyweight potential “The One and Only” Efe Ajagba (14-0, 11ko). The 40-year-old fighter from Atlanta is no stranger to stepping in the ring with young up-and-coming contenders in the division. Earlier in his career, the much-older fighter dethroned undefeated fighters like Alex Guerrero and Shawndell Terrell Winters.
However, he scored an amazing first-round knockout victory over rising heavyweight Carlos Negron on August 3, 2019. That one moment caught the attention of the boxing community. MVP was unable to take advantage of that huge victory and he was forced to sit out most of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOWARD WANTED TO FIGHT AJAGBA LAST YEAR
In November 2020, Howard stepped into the ring after more than a one-year layoff against undefeated rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez. He was runover by the Cuban boxer via fourth-round knockout. Moreover, MVP looked his age in that fight, and many felt his Cinderella Man run had come to an end.
Howard was surprised to be getting another opportunity after suffering a huge defeat. During an online press conference, MVP dropped a huge bombshell that team Ajagba turned down a fight with him last year.
“It was a surprise. We had been trying to fight Ajagba earlier on last year, but they keep turning the fight down for whatever reason. So it was a surprise that they even called me with the opportunity and the offer.”
Now, MVP understands why they called him. His defeat in the last fight played a role in team Ajagba making the call.
“Honestly, I think it was the Frank Sanchez loss, to be honest.”
Howard is looking to prove that he still has some gas left in the tank, and team Ajagba has taken on more than they bargained for.
This fight is scheduled to take place at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma on ESPN+ April 10, 2021.
By: Garrisson Bland
