Antonio Joshua enjoyed an impressive end to 2023, dominant Otto Wallin and now he’s ready to fight Francisco Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabiaand further details will be revealed at the inaugural press conference in London on January 15. However, Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom has spoken to Sky Sports about Martin Bakole and a possible fight against Joshua.
Anthony Joshua could face the ‘most avoided heavyweight in the world’
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Possibility of Joshua vs. Martin Bakole
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk It is scheduled to take place on February 17 in a fight for the undisputed world title, but attention has already turned to what happens next. Shalom has spoken to Sky Sports about the WBA situation and how his fighter, WBA number one Bakole, fits into this: “The WBA can order a final eliminator and we are waiting for their instructions.”
He continued: “Martin’s goal is to fight early in the year and continue his impressive streak. I am looking forward to seeing him in top form, when he will look even more devastating.”
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He added: “Of course Antonio Joshua It’s number 2 [in the WBA rankings] Therefore, it would make sense for the fight to be ordered and for Martin to be ready.”
Shalom also spoke about how Bakole fits into the division: “Martin remains the most avoided heavyweight in the world and his recent performances have only contributed to that.”
Bakole talks about sparring sessions
Joshua and the Congolese fighter are no strangers to each other, having sparred numerous rounds over the years. Bakole seems to have taken confidence from these sessions and last year he said: “I learned how to stop it.“He continued:”He doesn’t know how to fight inside. So give him pressure inside until he gives up.“
2024 is shaping up to be a memorable year for heavyweight boxing, and the outlook for the division should become clearer after the Usyk-Fury fight.
