Efe Ajagba remains on Martin Bakole’s radar despite a crushing setback last weekend. The Congolese heavyweight stepped in as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois against Joseph Parker, only to suffer a second-round defeat that cost him his IBF final eliminator status. Still, Bakole’s trainer-manager Billy Nelson insists the planned clash with Ajagba will go forward, potentially in early May on a high-profile undercard. Nelson sees the Parker loss as a single punch mishap rather than a defining moment, promising Bakole will regain his "bogeyman" reputation once he’s had a full camp.
Taking the Parker fight on two days’ notice was motivated by high-stakes financial reward, and Nelson stresses they have no regrets. According to him, Bakole secured "life-changing money" despite the risk involved, helping ensure his family’s future without shelving the upcoming Ajagba showdown. While the IBF rightly rescinded Bakole's final eliminator status, Nelson points out the bright side - that Bakole can regroup in Congo and begin a full training camp soon, whether the May date ends up in New York or Saudi Arabia.
Nelson also highlights Parker’s last-minute request for a rematch clause - an indication they knew how dangerous a fully prepared Bakole can be. In a short fight, Parker landed a decisive overhand right that ended matters, but the New Zealander allegedly took a few big shots himself beforehand.
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Image Credit: Sky Sports