Boxing Match Preview: Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) vs. Charles Martin (30-4-1, 27 KOs)

Event Overview

The heavyweight clash between Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin headlines the “Zuffa Boxing 3: Ajagba vs. Martin” card on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. This cutting-edge venue, located in the heart of Las Vegas’ entertainment district near the UFC APEX, has a capacity of around 5,000 for boxing events and features advanced LED screens and immersive production, making it a prime spot for Zuffa Boxing’s third promotional outing. The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds in the heavyweight division (no weight limit, but both typically weigh in around 240-250 lbs), serving as a key test for Ajagba’s contender status while offering Martin a chance to revive his career.

The event streams live on Paramount+, with prelims starting at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT, 11:00 PM GMT, 4:00 PM local Pacific Time). The main card begins at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT, 2:00 AM GMT on February 16), and the Ajagba-Martin ringwalk is estimated around 11:00 PM ET (8:00 PM PT), depending on undercard progression. This bout pits Ajagba’s athleticism and knockout power against Martin’s experience and southpaw style, potentially setting the winner up for bigger heavyweight opportunities in a division dominated by names like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading up to the event. Ajagba, who last fought in May 2025, has had nine months to recover from his draw with Martin Bakole, with no publicized issues in training camp or pre-fight medicals. Martin, inactive since his November 2024 TKO win over Guillermo Ruben Andino, has also shown no signs of setbacks, as confirmed by recent interviews and weigh-in reports (both made weight at around 240 lbs on February 14). Promoters and camps have emphasized full fitness, with no delays or concerns noted.

Fighter Matchups and Analysis

This 10-round heavyweight matchup features a clash of styles: Ajagba’s orthodox power and athleticism against Martin’s southpaw experience and counterpunching. Both stand tall—Ajagba at 6’6″ with an 85″ reach, Martin at 6’5″ with an 80″ reach—setting up a potential distance battle where Ajagba’s jab could control range, but Martin’s left hand poses upset risk. Ajagba (typically 240 lbs) is the younger, fresher fighter at 31, while Martin (around 250 lbs) brings veteran savvy at 39. The fight could start measured but turn explosive if Ajagba presses. No prior meetings or common opponents exist, adding unpredictability to this headliner.

• Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs)
  • Background and Style: The 31-year-old orthodox puncher from Ughelli, Nigeria (residing in Stafford, Texas), is a former Olympian (2016 for Nigeria) known for his explosive power (70% KO rate) and athletic frame. Training under Ronnie Shields, Ajagba uses his height and reach for a stiff jab to set up devastating right hands and hooks, often finishing with body work. He’s rebuilt after an early career loss, aiming to crack the top heavyweight echelon.
  • Recent Form: Ajagba enters on a five-fight unbeaten streak (4-0-1) since his 2021 loss. Last out: MD 10 draw vs. Martin Bakole (May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), a controversial result where many felt he deserved the win (speed figures around 90-95). Before: SD 10 win vs. Guido Vianello (April 13, 2024); TKO 4 vs. Joseph Goodall (November 4, 2023); DQ 4 vs. Zhan Kossobutskiy (August 26, 2023); UD 10 vs. Stephan Shaw (January 14, 2023). Last five: D-W-W-W-W. He’s averaged 7.6 rounds lately, showing improved stamina but a tendency for decisions against elites.
  • Fight History Highlights: Debuting in 2017 after a strong amateur run (including African Games gold), Ajagba has 103 pro rounds. Key wins include TKOs over Goodall and Kossobutskiy, plus a viral 1-second DQ win over Curtis Harper (2018, when Harper quit immediately). His sole loss: UD 10 to Frank Sanchez (2021). This is his first fight since the Bakole draw, a chance to reassert contender status.
  • Strengths/Weaknesses: Superior athleticism, knockout power, and resilience (dropped but recovered in losses/draws). However, defensive lapses and occasional stamina dips could be exploited by Martin’s counters.

• Charles “Prince” Martin (30-4-1, 27 KOs)
  • Background and Style: The 39-year-old southpaw from Saint Louis, Missouri (residing in Arizona), is a former IBF heavyweight champion (2016) with a 90% KO rate, relying on his left hand for devastating counters and pressure. A self-taught boxer turned pro late, Martin uses his size and experience to wear down foes, thriving in mid-range exchanges despite his age.
  • Recent Form: Martin is 2-2 in his last four, with inactivity since 2024. Last out: TKO 4 vs. Guillermo Ruben Andino (November 15, 2024, in Dubai, UAE), a solid rebound. Before: UD 10 loss vs. Jared Anderson (July 1, 2023); KO 1 vs. Devin Vargas (2022); TKO 6 loss vs. Luis Ortiz (January 1, 2022); TKO 6 win vs. Gerald Washington (February 22, 2020). Last five: W-L-W-L-W. He’s averaged 5 rounds recently, with power intact but losses to top competition.
  • Fight History Highlights: Pro since 2012, Martin has 126 rounds. He shocked the world winning the vacant IBF title via injury TKO over Vyacheslav Glazkov (2016), but lost it quickly to Anthony Joshua (TKO 2). Notable wins: TKOs over Washington and Andino. Losses to elites like Joshua, Ortiz, Anderson, and Adam Kownacki highlight durability but vulnerabilities. This is his first fight in over a year, a high-risk return.
  • Strengths/Weaknesses: Tremendous power (27 KOs), strong chin (stopped only twice), and veteran IQ for upsets. However, age, 15-month layoff, and slower speed could leave him open to Ajagba’s athleticism.

FIGHT ODDS

Efe Ajagba                           – 700

Charles Martin                  + 550

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 14, 2026