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By Ted Sares
A Knockout of the Year, by my criteria, has four elements: (1) suddenness, as in unexpected, (2) spectacularity, as in it has to be seen to be believed, (3) no need for referee’s count, and finally (4) worrisome and possible need for a stretcher. By this guideline, Efe Ajagba’s KO of Brian Howard on April 10 in Tulsa tops a busy field for recognition as the 2021 TSS Knockout of the Year.
Ajagba is a 6’6,” 242-pound imposing-looking Nigerian heavyweight with rock-solid amateur credentials who now resides in Texas. All of his pro fights have been in the U.S. against opponents with a winning record. He caught the attention of many wags when one of his opponents, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring one second after the opening bell. His current record is 15-1 with 12 KOs having lost to fast-rising Cuban defector Frank Sanchez in October. Whether or not he is the next Ike Ibeabuchi remains to be seen, but he clearly bears watching.
The KO against Howard
Once the bell rang, “The One and Only” -- his moniker-- began the stalk although Howard, who brought a 15-4 record, landed a few shots backing up. Then, in the third round, Howard made the mistake of keeping his guard down and his left hand hanging out. Efe capitalized with a lightening fast right that was picture-perfect and that sent Howard down and out with one of the most decisive KO’s ever seen. In fact, the noise of glove hitting jaw could be heard at ringside. It was truly worrisome; it has to be seen to be believed and you can see it here.
Honorable mentions:
Gabriel Rosado KO3 Bektimir Melikuziev (June 19)
Callum Smith KO2 Lenin Castillo (Sept. 25)
Kiko Martinez KO6 Kid Galahad (Nov. 13)
Ted Sares can be reached at tedsares@roadrunner.com
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