Nigerian boxers have made a significant impact in the global boxing arena, with several fighters climbing the ranks to become world-class contenders and champions. Here are the top 10 active Nigerian male boxers who have conquered the squared circle with their exceptional skills and determination.
1. Anthony Joshua (28-5-0, 25KOs)
Two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is Nigeria’s most accomplished boxer. The British-Nigerian heavyweight has repeatedly proven his mettle on the global stage with devastating power, as evidenced by his thunderous second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou in March 2024.
2. Efe Ajagba (20-1-0, 14KOs)
The hard-hitting Efe Ajagba brings an impressive 20-1 record with 14 knockouts into his upcoming clash with Martin Bakole on May 3 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 30-year-old Nigerian powerhouse has been on a remarkable resurgence since his lone professional defeat to Frank Sánchez in October 2021.
3. Taiwo ‘Esepor’ Agbaje (17-0-0, 12KOs)
Undefeated featherweight Taiwo ‘Esepo’ Agbaje has steadily climbed the ranks with his perfect 17-0 record, including 12 knockouts. The 27-year-old Lagos native has already claimed the West African and WBF Intercontinental Featherweight titles during his promising career.
4. Efe Apochi (13-3-0, 13KOs)
Cruiserweight puncher Efetobor Apochi returned to the ring in February with a ninth-round technical knockout victory over Dionardo Minor at Hilton Tampa Downtown in the USA. The 37-year-old has maintained his reputation as a knockout artist with all 13 of his professional victories coming by stoppage.
5. Samuel Nmomah (21-0-0, 5KOs)
Undefeated middleweight Samuel Nmomah has crafted a perfect 21-0 record with 5 knockouts, establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most technically proficient boxers. The 28-year-old captured the WBA Mediterranean middleweight title earlier this year with a unanimous decision victory over experienced fighter Abdul Khattab in Novara, Italy.
6. Tope Tajudeen (18-1-0, 16KOs)
Knockout artist Tope Tajudeen has rapidly emerged as one of Africa’s premier featherweights with his explosive punching power. The 27-year-old boasts an impressive 18-1 record with 16 victories coming by way of knockout.
7. Yusuf Adisa (15-0-0, 10KOs)
Undefeated prospect Yusuf Adisa has maintained a perfect 15-0 record with 10 knockouts as he steadily builds his reputation in the featherweight division. The 25-year-old recently showcased his talent on the international stage at the inaugural WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
8. Olanrewaju Durodola (50-10-0, 44KOs)
Veteran cruiserweight Olanrewaju Durodola has amassed an impressive 50-10 record with 44 knockouts during his lengthy professional career. The 44-year-old power puncher has faced some of the division’s biggest names while competing at the highest level of the sport.
9. Joshua Wahab (24-2-0, 17KOs)
Super-featherweight Joshua Wahab has compiled an impressive 24-2 record with 17 knockouts during his professional career. The 27-year-old captured the WBO Africa Super Featherweight title as he established himself as one of the continent’s premier fighters in the division.
10. Afolabi Shittu (16-1-0, 16KOs)
Rising super-flyweight sensation Afolabi Shittu has built an impressive 16-1 record with all of his victories coming by knockout. The 21-year-old power puncher has quickly established himself as one of Nigeria’s most exciting prospects with his devastating finishing ability.
These top 10 active Nigerian male boxers have demonstrated exceptional skills and determination, and it will be exciting to see how their careers unfold in the future.