Efe Ajagba Brutally Knocks Out Brian Howard In Third Round

 

Efe Ajagba resumed his knockout ways.

The 2016 Nigerian Olympian and rising heavyweight contender made a statement in an emphatic 3rd round knockout of Brian Howard. A right hand put Howard down and out in their ESPN-televised chief support Saturday evening on in front of a sold-out crowd at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ajagba was fighting for the second time since signing with Top Rank, which was also accompanied by a switch in trainer from Ronnie Shields to Kay Koroma in the greater Houston area. The first bout under than union produced a decision win over Jonathan Rice, though in an uneven performance.

There was nothing unsatisfactory about Ajagba’s latest performance. The undefeated prospect was measured in the opening round, walking down Howard who was fighting with a heavy heart as he was forced to bury his passing mother earlier in the week.

Action was steady through two rounds before Ajagba punched for the highlight reel in round three. A right hand caught Howard clean on the chin, sending him sprawling to the canvas in forcing an immediate stoppage. Medical attention was sought as Howard (15-5, 11KOs) was down for several minutes before making it to his feet and out of the ring under his own power.

Ajagba improves—in every sense of the word—to 15-0 (12KOs) with the win.

“It feels really good,” Ajagba told ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna.