Martin Bakole Attacks Anthony Joshua For Picking Efe Ajagba
Top heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (21-1, 16KO) had some harsh words for two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (28-4, 25KO). In addition, he claimed that after knocking out Efe “The Nigerian Nightmare” Ajagba (20-1, 14KO), AJ can get it next.
Bakole has built up a reputation as a boogeyman in the division. The Congo native will collide with Ajagba in an IBF title eliminator, after Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang passed on fighting him.
THE STATEMENT THAT KICKED IT OFF
While speaking with United Kingdom’s news outlet The Voice, Joshua supported Ajagba to be the winner. Although he was never born in Nigeria, the country is part of Joshua’s heritage since his immediate family is from there. In his mind it’s only right to root for a fellow Nigerian.
“Two giants of Africa coming together to collide. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I’m going to support Efe, even though he doesn’t support me… I’m backing him to beat Bakole because we are from the same place, and I want to see him do well.” – Anthony Joshua
Bakole caught wind of this and quickly took to social media to attack Joshua’s heritage claim along with a challenge.
“Hey, Anthony Joshua, this video is for you. I called you out, I wanted to knock you out, and now you are talking shit, saying Ajagba is going to beat me … I will knock you out in the first round. Ajagba is a baby. Wait till you see how I’m going to knock him out. I want you to be there.”
“I want to fight you stop talking nonsense. Now you say you’re Nigerian, you’re not British anymore?… After knocking Ajagba out, I’ll knock you out as well.” – Martin Bakole
HE SHOULDN’T LOOK TOO FAR AHEAD
Bakole should not let Joshua’s comments get under his skin and focus on Ajagba. He sounds dangerous close as someone that is overlooking his upcoming opponent.
Since losing to Frank Sanches in 2021, Ajagba has looked like a different fighter. In his last outing, The Nigerian Nightmare dug deep to win by split decision against Guido Vianello.
Bakole can’t afford to get overconfident and remain vigilant on the upcoming task. If there is one thing this sport has proven is when you underestimate your opponent it will humble you.
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