Ajagba, 28, held the pre-fight press conference and faced Shaw on Thursday, January 12, 2023.
In October 2021, Ajagba suffered his first professional loss by unanimous decision to Cuban Frank Sánchez.
Since then Ajagba returned to the ring to stop the Hungarian Jozsef Darmos in two rounds.
Ajagba vs. Shaw
Ajagba was scheduled to face World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgeweight champion Oscar Rivas.
Rivas suffered an eye injury and Shaw jumped at the opportunity to face Ajagba on short notice.
Before the fight, Ajagba and Shaw had some tough talk at the press conference.
Shaw stated that he is confident that he will defeat Ajagba and then become a force in the heavyweight division.
He said: “It’s going to be a very emotional moment for me.”
“It’s going to mean a lot to me because it’s going to change my life.” I’m excited man because I feel like this is a life changing moment and I’m ready to make the most of it.
" I’m going to be very, very happy when I beat Ajagba and move on to bigger and better things and put me, you know, where I felt like I should have been and where I need to be.”
Ajagba, on the other hand, explained that he underwent surgery on both elbows before the fight against Darmos.
He then claimed that now at full strength, Shaw can’t handle his powerful shots and intensity.
He said: “Since I came back from my surgery, I’ve tried to do everything I can to fight more.”
“That’s why I only had one fight last year. I’ve been trying to get more fights.”
“I’ve made adjustments for Saturday night.” “We’ll see how it goes. I’m ready for him.”
“I’m ready to put on a show. I’m going to put more pressure. I can not wait. I’m so excited to be here.”
Ajagba faces Shaw at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
