Anthony Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is on the lookout for his next big opponent after his knockout defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. At 35 years old, Joshua remains hungry for one more shot at regaining a world title, and he’s eager to take on significant challenges to prove his worth in the heavyweight division once again.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been exploring possible matchups for the British star, with one intriguing possibility being a showdown with Congo’s Martin Bakole. Turki Alalshikh, the man behind Riyadh Season and the Ring Magazine, recently spoke with TalkSPORT about this potential fight, expressing his desire to see the bout happen. “We are open to seeing Joshua face Bakole, and I’d love to see it in Africa,” Alalshikh stated, further fueling the excitement for a clash between the two heavyweights.
In response to Alalshikh’s comments, Martin Bakole enthusiastically accepted the challenge, expressing his frustration at how others have avoided him in the past. “They keep avoiding me, and I’m so happy,” Bakole said. “I’d like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for wanting to see this fight with Anthony Joshua.” Bakole, often referred to as the “African Giant,” is looking to make a big impact, and a fight against Joshua could serve as a significant stepping stone toward cementing his place in the heavyweight division.
However, before facing Joshua, Bakole has his sights set on another challenge. The 30-year-old heavyweight is scheduled to fight Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in an IBF eliminator bout, which will determine who gets the mandatory spot to challenge Dubois for the world title. Bakole has expressed his belief that Ajagba stands little chance in the fight, even going as far as to claim that he would knock out Joshua within the first round if given the opportunity. His bold predictions have caught the attention of fans and boxing pundits alike, adding further intrigue to what could be an explosive heavyweight matchup down the line.
With Tyson Fury now retired and no longer an option for Joshua, the stakes are higher than ever for the former champion. Joshua’s desire for big fights and the potential for a thrilling encounter with Martin Bakole has reignited excitement in the heavyweight division, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his career. Should Bakole prove victorious against Ajagba, a showdown with Joshua could be on the horizon, making it one of the most anticipated fights in recent heavyweight boxing history.
