Martin Bakole is set to fight Anthony Joshua, weeks after vowing to knockout the former heavyweight world champion.
Bakole, who was born in the Congo but trains in Airdrie, had started a war of words with boxing big-gun Joshua – even saying that he would knock the Englishman out in a single round. And now the 31-year-old has a chance to prove he’s capable of doing just that, with the duo set to go to battle in Bakole’s homeland at the same venue as Muhammed Ali and George Foreman’s infamous Rumble in the Jungle, following the adopted Scot’s fight with Efe Ajagba later this year.
Speaking to Talksport Bakole was asked if he fancied his chances against AJ or even Oleksandr Usyk and said: “Of course I want a big fight, I am due to fight Anthony Joshua in Africa and I can’t wait. I can’t wait. I’m so excited. I’m from the Congo, now I’m living in the UK and I’m ready to face anybody anywhere. I don’t care where it’s going to be, all I care about is that I’m coming to beat you. I think we will (see Joshua back in the ring), a big fight is waiting for him in Africa.
“I’ll keep working hard because my fight against him in Africa is a big fight. I think it will happen in the Congo, I think it needs to be in the same stadium as the Muhammed Ali George Foreman fight. I think it will happen this summer, my fingers are crossed I think that we’ll get that.” Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, added: “It’s done, I’m hearing it’s all signed and that we’re off to the Congo.”
Last month Bakole was left fuming when Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, tipped Efe Ajagba for victory over the Congolese heavyweight. In a video calling out Joshua he said: “Hey Anthony Joshua, this video is for you. I wanted to call you out, you’re talking s*** about Ajagba saying Ajagba is going to beat me. Shame on you, how many times did I call you out? How many times did I ask you to fight in Africa?
“You should feel ashamed of yourself. I want to fight you, I want to knock you out. Look at Daniel Dubois, I broke his nose twice (when sparring) and he knocked you out cold. I will knock you out in the first round. We’re talking about Ajagba, Ajagba is a baby wait until you see how I’m going to knock him out. I invite you to be there, you’re taking s*** I want to fight you. Stop talking nonsense.”