Martin Bakole has provided some clarity on his inactivity.
Once known as the heavyweight division’s bogeyman, Bakole was last in action nearly a year ago in May 2025 when he was held to a majority decision draw against Efe Ajagba in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
That clash came three months after Bakole had stepped in on short notice to face Joseph Parker, suffering a second round stoppage loss, but prior to that the Congo heavyweight had claimed an impressive win over previously unbeaten Jared Anderson.
It was claimed this week by fellow heavyweight contender Guido Vianello that Bakole had pulled out of a bout between the two that was planned for the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven card in Egypt next month, but now Bakole has spoken out on the matter.
Posting on social media, Bakole said promoter Ben Shalom is ‘trying to ruin his career’ despite being ‘out of contract.’
“For everybody asking what is happening with me. I am ready to fight anytime but one man is trying to ruin my career: Ben Shalom. I don’t understand why he is doing it. He has been earning money from me for years and years and has kept me tied up in a contract.
“My lawyer has confirmed that my contract with him is finished. I try to move on and he sends crazy emails to everyone blocking me from fighting and earning a living.
“He is trying to scare me saying he will sue everyone if I fight and don’t pay him. I fight to provide for my family, not for Ben Shalom. He is not my promoter. I am ready to fight but I will not pay that man another cent.”
Shalom and Bakole have had a promotional relationship for since 2023, but it is clear there are now major issues between the two men.
Update: BOXXER has now responded with the following statement.
— BOXXER (@boxxer) April 8, 2026
