Boxing trainer Billy Nelson has revealed the blockbuster clash between Martin Bakole and two-time world champion Anthony Joshua is scheduled in DR Congo.
Nelson, the head coach of Bakole believes that a homecoming could be in the works for October, regardless of whether the IBF belt is up for grabs.
“Once we take care of Efe Ajagba, we’re guaranteed a world title shot – and that’s what we’ve been striving for,” Nelson told Boxing News.
“You’ll see in May, Ajagba will get taken care of. He’s not got the IQ, punch variety, or skill that Martin possesses.
“[The Joshua fight] wouldn’t be for the IBF belt unless Daniel Dubois vacates his title rather than fight Martin, which is a strong possibility.
“Failing that, Martin vs Anthony Joshua in Kinshasa, [Democratic Republic of the Congo], in October would be huge – an absolutely phenomenal fight for the continent of Africa.”
The idea of a Joshua vs. Bakole fight has gained traction ever since Tyson Fury announced his retirement from the sport in January. Bakole, 31, boasts a record of 21-1 with 16 knockouts and is widely regarded as one of the most avoided heavyweights in the division. Despite his formidable reputation, the Congolese powerhouse has yet to secure a marquee fight on the world stage.
Bakole has consistently sought a bout with Joshua, a fighter he previously sparred with during Joshua’s training camps in Sheffield. He remains confident that the showdown will happen, stating that Africa, specifically the Congo, is the likely destination.
The two fighters recently came face-to-face at The Ring Magazine awards in London, hinting at a potential matchup. However, their career trajectories are currently on different paths. Bakole is set to return in a world title eliminator against Efe Ajagba in May, while Anthony Joshua had initially been targeting a fight with Fury. However, with Fury’s retirement, that bout remains uncertain.
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