Ajagba beats Vianello to defend WBC Silver heavyweight title

WBC silver heavyweight champion, Efe Ajagba, has said that he was in complete control during his successful title defence against Italian Guido Vianello on Sunday.

The African Games gold medallist won a split decision result against Vianello in the co-main event of the clash at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi in Texas, USA.

Reacting after his second successful defence of the WBC title he won in August 2023, Ajagba wrote on his Instagram page, “Another win in the bag. I weathered the storm and I took control.”

Boasting before the bout, Vianello had expected to beat Ajagba in the ring.

 “I can change my style at the moment and I’m faster than him, I have fast hands. I have quick movement with my body. And I think fast hands are better than just power,” he said.

“(Ajagba) has power with his right hand. He’s very dangerous. I don’t care about that because I feel really smart in the ring. I’m ready to change and adjust during the fight. All of my boxing career and life and now everything is set and ready to take a big victory.”

However, it was Ajagba who reigned supreme after 10 rounds as the judges’ scorecards read 94-96, 96-94, 96-94 in favour of the Nigerian, who rallied to win after a slow start.

The 29-year-old now holds a record of 20 wins and one loss with 14 knockouts, while Vianello suffered his second career defeat in the bout and now holds a record of 12 wins, two losses, and one draw in the pros.