Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw Prediction, Pick, Odds, Preview: Can Shaw Keep Unbeaten Streak Alive?
Efe Ajagba will square off against unbeaten challenger Stephan Shaw on Saturday in the main event at a Top Rank promotion in Verona, New York. Johnny Covers takes a closer look at how this one might play out.
Johnny Covers - January 13, 2023, 5:02 PM EST
5 minEfe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw Prediction, Pick, Odds, Preview: Can Shaw Keep Unbeaten Streak Alive?
Efe Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs), a heavyweight prospect with just one professional loss, will square off against unbeaten challenger Stephan Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday in the main event at a Top Rank promotion in Verona, New York.
The first world title match of 2023 took place between Gervonta Davis and Hector Luis Garcia last week, but this bout will be the first genuine pick 'em of the year as the odds are nearly dead even.
Let's take a closer look at how this one might play out.
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Ajagba vs. Shaw Start Time and Where to Watch
Date: Saturday, January 14, 2023
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, NY
Where to Watch: ESPN
Click here for Ajagba vs. Shaw odds
Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw Odds
Opening as a pick-em, the challenger Shaw has seen the odds tick in his favor, currently sitting as a -135 favorite at FanDuel. As for Ajagba, DraftKings currently has the best number available at +115 as of Thursday morning.
Odds | Fighter | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|
+115 | Efe Ajagba | 46.5% |
-135 | Stephan Shaw | 57.4% |
Click here to see the latest betting odds for Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw
Efe Ajagba vs Stephan Shaw Preview
Efe Ajagba (16-1-0, 13 KOs)
Efe Ajagba generated a lot of excitement as he amassed an undefeated record, already catching the attention of many in the heavyweight ranks. But when he hasn't won in a convincing and captivating way as of late, the excitement diminished.
The fighter switched from PBC to Top Rank, and now he has the responsibility of headlining a Top Rank card in Verona, New York, on Saturday night to try and obtain some clout in the new promotion.
The 28-year-old Nigerian, who is currently 16-1 (13 KOs), is still gaining experience however. He defeated stepping stone Brian Howard in April 2021, after stopping Jonathan Rice in September 2020 during his Top Rank debut, and was subsequently defeated by Frank Sanchez in a dull fight six months later. Ajagba defeated a seasoned Jozsef Darmos in August of 2022, but this Saturday he faces a challenging test that we'll know afterward what he's really made of.
Stephan Shaw (18-0-0, 13 KOs)
The 30-year-old Stephan Shaw has an 18-0 (13 KO) record and is fresh off a November victory over a tough opponent in Rydell Booker. If the situation is managed skillfully, the winner of this battle will advance to a higher-profile match, but as the odds suggest this should be a tight one.
Ajagba wants to regain his momentum, and Shaw appears motivated to show that he is a better boxer, despite his relatively unknown status compared to his opponent.
Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw Prediction
Following a one-sided main event last week with Gervonta Davis, this is a great heavyweight bout for fans and bettors alike. The one edge that Shaw has here is his training partner, Frank Sanchez, who already handed Ajagba his first defeat just last year.
Though few know of his name, I expect that to change on Saturday with a big win from Shaw, improving his status in the division immediately.
Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw Pick
Pick: Stephan Shaw (-135) Bet $100 to collect $174 FanDuel has the best odds, click here to bet
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