Efe Ajagba tries to intimidate Stephan Shaw at weigh-in

To Jack Tiernan: Efe Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) did his best to intimidate Stephan Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) at Friday’s weigh-in.This Saturday, January 14, at the turning in Verona, NY. The Stone Resort Casino will host the Main Event on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Card opens at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PST.

(Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

At 6’6 inches, Ajagba weighed 235.25 pounds and resembled a statue. For his part, Shaw weighed 239.5 pounds and looked in good shape, but not at Ajagba’s level.

Efe Ajagba can’t afford to lose

Saturday’s game will be important for both players who want to advance their careers.

The 2016 Olympian Ajagba is in his second fight since losing to Frank Sanchez in October 2021, and he clearly wants to show that he can make the necessary improvements from that loss to return to the top tier rankings. I think.

Prior to that loss, Ajagba was ranked by the WBC, but the way Sanchez dominated him caused sanctions bodies to drop him to the second tier. If Ajagba lost the show on Saturday night, it would be devastating for his career.

Full Weighing Results:

Efe Ajagba 235.25 vs Stephen Shaw 239.5
Guido Vianello 239 vs. Johnny Rice 274.25
Abraham Nova 129 vs Adam Lopez 129
Haven Brady Jr. 132.75 vs. Rubén Cervera 130.25
Bryce Mills 143 vs Margarito Hernandez 144.25
Floyd Diaz 122 vs Edwin Rodriguez 121.5
Brian Norman Jr. 149 vs. Rodrigo Damien Coria 148.25
Bruce Carrington 128 vs. Juan Antonio Lopez 127.5
Dante Benjamin Jr. 174 vs. Emmanuel Austin 175

Tim Bradley Picks Show to Beat Ajagba

“Neither man can afford to lose. Ajagba in particular, though mechanical, has something that cannot be taught, but can only be defined: power. Can Shaw be consistent and calculating at the same time? I believe he can. I go with Shaw by upsetting decision” Tim Bradley told ESPN+.

“Swift boxer Frank Sanchez provided the blueprint for how to beat Ajagba in October 2021 when he came to a unanimous decision over Ajagba behind a move and a great jab. It can be done.”

Having better technical skills than Ajagba, I’m not sure it’s fair to call Shaw’s win an upset.