Efe Ajagba has to settle for points victory after injuring hand in Las Vegas fight
The Nigerian has welcomed a fight with unified champion Joshua
Sunday 20 September 2020 07:50, UK
Efe Ajagba could not enhance his claims for a future fight with Anthony Joshua as he laboured to a points victory over Jonathan Rice in Las Vegas.
The Nigerian heavyweight extended his unbeaten record to 14 wins with a wide unanimous decision over Rice, but Ajagba suffered a hand injury which prevented him from producing an expected knockout.
Ajagba previously stopped 11 of his opponents with explosive power, although on this occasion he opted to control Rice for 10 rounds with his stiff jab, earning verdicts of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92 from the judges.
The 26-year-old had recently welcomed a clash with Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.
"The people would support Joshua because he is the heavyweight champ," Ajagba told Sky Sports.
"Skill would beat Joshua, not power. Me and Joshua both have the power, but skills control the power.
"I have more skills."
In the main event, former world champion Jose Pedraza sealed a points victory over Javier Molina at the MGM Grand.
