Posted by Samuel on Wed 07th May, 2025 - tori.ng
Ajagba made the remarks following his dramatic majority draw against Congolese contender Martin Bakole at the ANB Arena in Riyadh this week.
Efe Ajagba, the Nigerian heavyweight boxer, has sparked controversy with his remark that Anthony Joshua should not be regarded as a true Nigerian.
Ajagba made the remarks following his dramatic majority draw against Congolese contender Martin Bakole at the ANB Arena in Riyadh this week.
When The Ring suggested that Joshua might also be in contention among top fighters, the 30-year-old Ajagba—whose only professional loss came at the hands of Frank Sánchez in 2021, dismissed the idea, questioning Joshua’s connection to Nigeria.
“Oh man,” Ajagba said. “I don’t think so. He’s not a real Nigerian. He might have just been there, and that’s where his parents came from, but for me, I’m the original Nigerian, to be honest. Not Joshua—he hasn't experienced Nigeria. Almost all of his life has been spent in the UK.”
Ajagba accused Joshua of only visiting Nigeria for “social media content.”
“It’s okay, it’s all good—but I’m the original Nigerian,” he added. “In Africa, Nigeria is always No. 1 when it comes to sport, and I’m the original Nigerian. That’s what it’s all about—I’ve got power, and I’ve got skills.”