Commonwealth gold medalist, Efe Ajagba and Commonwealth bronze medallist Efetobor Apochi on Sunday night both won their debut professional boxing careers in the United States of America.
Lanky Ajagba knocked out Tyrell Herndon in their heavyweight clash in less than three minutes while Apochi defeated Daniel Mejia in the third round of their cruiserweight fight.
Ajagba, Nigeria’s only boxer at the Rio 2016 Olympics, punched his Trinidad and Tobago’s opponent Nigel Paul, through a knockout in the run-up to his quarterfinals fight.
Apochi in a chat with ACLSports.com dedicated his first pro fight to God and his late father.
He said: “Glory be to God. Him alone I ask for victory and I got it. My late father of blessed memory, insisted that I engage in sports. As a little boy, all I see him watch is boxing matches.”
Asked on his motivating factor, the Delta State born boxer said he thinks positively and does not connect to negativity.
“I believe in God, my heart is full of love, no hate and I work very hard and stay humble.”
The two boxers on July 26 joined boxing promoting outfit Ringstar Sports and had their debuts as undercards in the Premier Boxing Champions fight between Victor Ortiz and Saul Corral.
