Martin Bakole wants to set the record straight. After a last-minute trip to Riyadh in February resulted in a two-round stoppage loss to Joseph Parker, the formidable Congolese heavyweight is returning to Saudi Arabia on May 3 with renewed focus and a point to prove.
Bakole’s previous visit was an impulsive scramble, as he arrived on fight day, weighed a career-high 310 pounds, and never found his rhythm in the ring. Despite stinging Parker with big shots early, he eventually fell victim to a sudden right hand and was halted inside two rounds. His longtime coach, Billy Nelson, chalks it up to circumstance and timing.
“You can’t come off the couch and expect to take on someone like Joe,” Nelson said. “But Martin was well paid, got the chance to help the show, and now he’s back for real.”
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This time, Bakole will face rugged contender Efe Ajagba in a 12-round clash. Nelson insists the preparation will be different and that fans will see the lean, sharp version of Bakole - the one that was once ducked by so many up-and-comers. “He’s going to be a lot lighter and fitter,” Nelson promised. “With a full camp, nobody’s beating Martin easily.”
Aged 33, Bakole has already posted notable wins over unbeaten heavyweights, building a reputation as a dark horse in the division. Now, the task is to remind the boxing world why he was such a feared figure before the Parker defeat. The bogeyman is back, and he says he’s ready to show what happens when he’s given time to prepare.
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