Sunday, July 12, 2026

Ajagba becomes WBC International Heavyweight Champion

He now improves to 18-1 and becomes the WBC International HW Champion, putting him on a short list to challenge for a world title in the near future.

• August 27, 2023
Efe Ajagba and Zhan Kossobutskiy (Credit: Sport Payout)
Efe Ajagba and Zhan Kossobutskiy (Credit: Sport Payout)

Efe Ajagba got the biggest win of his career and his first title by defeating Zhan Kossobutskiy in a Top Rank co-main event at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Efe came in 17-1 against the undefeated Zhan Kossobutskiy, who was 19-0 with 18 knockouts.

He immediately established his jab and range but had to navigate a tricky opponent.
By the second round, Ajagba showed effectiveness, landing to the body, and Zhan was visibly reacting to every shot.

By round 3, Kossobutskiy was deducted two points for repeated low blows, and when he hit Ajagba low again, the referee stopped the fight, and the Nigerian boxer got the win by disqualification.

The disqualification dampens what was setting up to be an impressive showing for the constantly surging Nigerian Olympian.
He now improves to 18-1 and becomes the WBC International HW Champion, putting him on a short list to challenge for a world title in the near future.

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