WITHOUT a win during 2025, Martin Bakole has undeniably lost momentum and his reputation as a heavyweight bogeyman this year. However, the Congolese contender could kick off 2026 in style, with a return to the ring set for January.
Bakole, 21-2 (16 KOs), famously, and perhaps foolishly in hindsight, stepped in to fight Joseph Parker on extremely short notice back in February, only to be knocked out inside two rounds.
Just 10 weeks later, Bakole fought in Riyadh once more, but had little excuses for an underwhelming display against fellow African Efe Ajagba, that was scored as a majority-draw.
As a result, the notion that Bakole is the most avoided heavyweight on the planet is one that is no longer supported, and the fear which matchmakers reportedly had when Bakole’s name was mentioned appears to have disintegrated.
Of course, this is something that could work in favour of the Airdrie-based brute, with an increased number of potential opponents now willing to face him.
Although, it will take just one authoritative display for hesitancy to surround Bakole’s name once again.
That performance could be in store for Saudi, where trainer Billy Nelson revealed Bakole will fight in January, for what will assumably be a fifth consecutive appearance on a bill backed by Turki Al-Alshikh.
“Martin fights in Saudi in January according to our promoter.”
A nutritionist and dietician have supposedly been put in place for Bakole after his laboured draw with Ajagba and it will be intriguing to see how Bakole will perform if his preparation and physique has been improved upon.
As far as potential opponents are concerned, Deontay Wilder previously announced that he too would next fight in January, whilst Ajagba remains without a scheduled fight and could be lined up for a rematch.
