-By Saidu Abubakar with Agency Reports
The Nigerian has welcomed a fight with unified champion, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.
Efe Ajagba could not enhance his claims for a future fight with Anthony Joshua as he laboured to a points victory over Jonathan Rice in Las Vegas.
The Nigerian heavyweight extended his unbeaten record to 14 wins with a wide unanimous decision over Rice, but Ajagba suffered a hand injury which prevented him from producing an expected knockout.
Ajagba previously stopped 11 of his opponents with explosive power, although on this occasion he opted to control Rice for 10 rounds with his stiff jab, earning verdicts of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92 from the judges.
Image:Ajagba is targeting a world heavyweight title fight
“The people would support Joshua because he is the heavyweight champ,” Ajagba told Sky Sports.
“Skill would beat Joshua, not power. Me and Joshua both have the power, but skills control the power.
“I have more skills.”
In the main event, former world champion Jose Pedraza sealed a points victory over Javier Molina at the MGM Grand.
Efe Ajagba is a Nigerian professional boxer who holds the record for the fastest victory in boxing history after his opponent was disqualified for leaving the ring one second after the opening bell. As an amateur boxer he won a gold medal at the 2015 All-African Games and bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Born: 22 April 1994 (age 26 years), Ughelli, Delta State
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: Heavyweight
Division: Heavyweight
Total fights: 13