After recent title successes, Efe Ajagba, Moses Itauma and Elizabeth Oshoba are positioning themselves for world championship opportunities in 2026.
The three fighters have enjoyed steady progress over the past year, with silver belts, continental titles and improved rankings putting them within touching distance of boxing’s biggest stage.
Ajagba appears closest to a title shot.
The US-based Nigerian heavyweight, 31, believes he is one fight away from challenging for a world belt. Born in Ughelli, Delta State, Ajagba represented Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 African Games.
Since turning professional, the 6ft 5in orthodox boxer, nicknamed ‘The Silent Roller’, has recorded 20 wins, one loss and one draw, with 14 knockouts. He also holds the WBC silver heavyweight title.
After briefly losing his IBF ranking over a purse dispute, Ajagba rebuilt his career and broke into The Ring magazine’s top 10 heavyweights in September 2025.
“This is a big moment for me and for Nigerian boxing,” Ajagba said. “My focus is on climbing higher and fighting for the world title.”
While Ajagba’s rise has been gradual, Itauma’s progress has been rapid.
The 21-year-old British-Nigerian heavyweight has emerged as one of boxing’s brightest prospects. Born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother, he moved to England as a child and turned professional in 2023 after a successful amateur career.
Itauma remains unbeaten in 13 fights, with 11 knockouts. He stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside one round to win the Commonwealth heavyweight belt and also holds the WBO Intercontinental title. He is currently ranked the WBO’s No. 1 contender.
Promoter Frank Warren has said the youngster could fight for a world title before the end of the year.
On the women’s side, Oshoba continues to break new ground.
The 26-year-old made history in 2024 when she knocked out Italy’s Michela Braga to become the first female Nigerian boxer to win a world title. She holds the WBC silver featherweight belt and the IBO super-featherweight title and remains unbeaten with nine wins, including five knockouts.
“I’m not stopping here,” Oshoba said. “My eyes are set on the top spot.”
With all three fighters moving closer to title contention, 2026 could be a defining year for Nigerian boxing.
