Boxing promoter Barry McGuigan has urged Anthony Joshua to steer clear of a potential showdown with Martin Bakole, despite claims from Bakole’s camp that a deal is already done.
Joshua’s career is at a crossroads following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. A long-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury now seems unlikely after Fury announced his retirement.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion recently faced off with Bakole in a heated exchange, fueling speculation about a high-profile bout in DR Congo. In a surprising twist, Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom told talkSPORT that the fight was “done,” though it remains unclear whether Joshua has signed a contract.
Read also: Trainer confirms Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole fight in DR Congo
Despite Bakole’s reputation as a dangerous and often-avoided contender, McGuigan strongly advised Joshua against taking the fight.
“If I was managing Anthony Joshua, I wouldn’t go near Martin Bakole,” McGuigan said on talkBOXING.
“In my opinion, Joshua has only four fights left. He needs to be fighting for a title or against Tyson Fury.”
However, former boxer Spencer Oliver disagreed, insisting the fight makes sense for both men.
McGuigan, though, questioned Joshua’s motivation to take such a high-risk bout.
Read also: Hearn predicts Fury’s return to boxing amid Joshua clash speculation
“Joshua has probably earned around £200 million. So why would he want that fight?” McGuigan asked. “Turki Alalshikh has removed financial barriers in boxing, meaning the biggest fights can now happen. But Bakole could become a world champion in the next 12 months—he’s a nightmare for everybody.”
Joshua has long expressed a desire to fight in Africa, and Bakole is eager to bring the bout to his native DR Congo.
The Congolese fighter recently dominated Jared Anderson, a rising star in the division, and is set to face Nigerian boxer Efe Ajagba in May in an IBF world title eliminator. A win would put him closer to a world title shot.
A victory over Joshua would be the biggest of Bakole’s career, cementing his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
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