Is Martin Bakole The Boogeyman Of The Heavyweight Division?
Top heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) has always been a fighter with plenty of self-belief. The 32-year-old believes he can whip anyone in the division and feels that top fighters are ducking him. Has the reality become that the fighter from The Democratic Republic of The Congo is the most feared heavyweight in the world?
FIGHTERS RUNNING SCARED?
Fighting on the undercard of Israil Madrimov versus Terence Crawford on August 3 in Los Angeles, Bakole scored a fifth-round stoppage over previously unbeaten Jared Anderson. The big man from The Congo overpowered Anderson, hurting him numerous times before finishing him off for good. Following the victory, Bakole said the following during the post-fight interview.
“I’m the most avoided man in the world. […] I’m a big machine. I can take punches for twelve rounds.”
Bakole is making a hell of a case for himself. Since the sole defeat of his career to Michael Hunter in October 2018, Bakole has been steamrolling opponents. He raised eyebrows in May 2022 with a unanimous decision over the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Tony Yoka. Two fights later, Bakole destroyed former world title challenger Carlos Takam in four rounds in October 2023. His performance against Anderson has caught the attention of the entire boxing community.
In the ring, Bakole is a big, strong fighter with a lot of power in both hands and a ramrod of a left jab. His style reminds many insiders of Hall of Fame Inductee and former heavyweight champion George Foreman. From a sheer physical vantage point, the big man from Africa will pose a serious problem for anyone.
Currently ranked number one by the WBA, the question is, when will Bakole receive a world title shot? Look for the current champions in the division to avoid him for as long as possible. Bakole believes he’s the most feared heavyweight alive. Based on his most recent form, it’s hard to argue against his claim.
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