Ben Shalom says Martin Bakole is “ruining his career”

Ben Shalom believes Martin Bakole is damaging his heavyweight career through inactivity and poor conditioning.

Bakole’s biggest win came in August 2024, when he stopped Jared Anderson in five rounds while weighing 284½ pounds. The victory appeared to put him on the verge of major heavyweight opportunities.

His momentum quickly stalled. Bakole weighed 310 pounds when he accepted a fight with Joseph Parker on two days’ notice in February 2025 and was stopped in the second round. He then weighed 299 pounds against Efe Ajagba three months later and settled for a majority draw.

Bakole has not fought since May 3, 2025, and Shalom questioned whether the heavyweight still has the same hunger after earning significant money.

“Ultimately, he’s ruining his career,” Shalom said. “Maybe he doesn’t want to fight, maybe he’s earned so much money.”

Shalom added that he still wants to see Bakole return, but believes the Anderson victory is becoming a missed opportunity because he failed to build on it.

Image Credit: DAZN