RUMOR MILL: Zhang vs Bakole To Crash China In December

Negotiations Underway For Martin Bakole vs Zhilei Zhang in China

Martin Bakole announces Zhilei Zhang as his next target
Martin Bakole targeting a heavyweight clash with Zhilei Zhang next (credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing, Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Martin Bakole Looks Forward to Battling Zhilei Zhang in China


Top-ranked heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) is highly interested in a fight with Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (27-2, 22 KOs). It’s a fight that could very well come to fruition before the end of the year.

ALWAYS READY TO FIGHT

Turki Alalshikh is interested in putting them in the ring with one another. The target date is December in Zhang’s home country of China. During an exclusive interview with the British media outlet Sky Sports, Bakole said he welcomes the fight.

“I would love to fight Big Zhang in December in China . . . I always fight outside. I went to America and stopped Anderson. I went to Paris and beat Tony Yoka, so I would love to go to China and beat Zhang in front of his fans. That’s a fight I’d love, and I’m looking forward to it.”

A POTENTIAL BARNBURNER

The most recent outing for Bakole was a fifth-round stoppage over Jared “Big Baby” Anderson on August 8 in Los Angeles, California. Bakole’s popularity and reputation have skyrocketed in the weeks since that fight. So impressive was his performance that some in the boxing media now view him as the boogeyman of the division.

However, if someone is willing to face Bakole without blinking an eye, it’s Zhang. He’s coming off a fifth-round knockout over one-time WBC champion Deontay Wilder in March 2024. He is a fighter full of confidence and scared of no one.

With his size, ramrod of a left jab, and punching power, many pundits compare Bakole to Hall of Famer George Foreman. However, Zhang is no slouch in the power department. He also has solid skills and is an underrated counterpuncher. Neither man is known for their defensive prowess. On paper, it would have the makings of a war.

Alalshikh is always looking to make the biggest fights possible. This matchup would qualify as a big fight in China, and the possibility that it becomes a reality looks promising.

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About Mike W.2118 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.