Promoter Ben Shalom has made it clear that Martin Bakole is a force that cannot be ignored, even by heavyweights like Daniel Dubois or Zhilei Zhang. The Congolese heavyweight, regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, is awaiting an opponent for an IBF final eliminator bout that guarantees a shot at Dubois’ IBF world title.
With other fighters stepping aside or withdrawing from potential matchups against Bakole, Shalom insists that the time has come for the “bogeyman” of the division to get his opportunity to shine.
Bakole: The Avoided Contender
Agit Kabayel, a German heavyweight, recently pulled out of a purse bid for a fight against Bakole, leaving a vacant spot for an eliminator bout. Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight ranked No. 5 by the IBF, has now been ordered to face Bakole. However, Shalom anticipates Zhang will also opt out of the fight.
“Agit Kabayel pulled out of the purse bids. He didn’t want the fight,” Shalom told Sky Sports. “Zhilei Zhang has now been ordered. We expect him to turn the fight down too.
“They can run, but they can’t hide. Martin is in a great position. He will fight for the mandatory spot against whoever is willing to step up and then fight for the IBF world title.”
The Bogeyman of the Division
Shalom is adamant that Bakole is a feared figure within the heavyweight ranks. Stories of Bakole dominating in sparring sessions have circulated widely, further adding to his mystique as a fighter.
“There is a reason people don’t want to fight Martin,” Shalom said. “We’ve all heard the sparring stories. He is the bogeyman of the division, but his time is coming. Once he becomes IBF World Champion, he can rule the division for a long time.”
The promoter’s confidence in Bakole stems from his explosive power, relentless pressure, and the ability to trouble even the most seasoned opponents. Bakole’s reputation as a sparring legend has led to many fighters avoiding him in official bouts, fearing the risk of defeat.
Daniel Dubois: A Potential Showdown
Dubois, who currently holds the IBF world title, cannot sidestep a potential clash with Bakole for much longer. If Bakole secures his spot as the mandatory challenger through the eliminator fight, Dubois will be compelled to face him.
Dubois himself is no stranger to the spotlight, having built a reputation as a powerful puncher and rising star in the heavyweight division. However, his recent performances have been met with mixed reviews, raising questions about how he would fare against a dangerous opponent like Bakole.
Shalom’s remarks suggest that even if Zhang, a formidable heavyweight in his own right, avoids Bakole, Dubois will eventually have to step up. The Congolese contender’s rise through the IBF rankings has put him in an unavoidable position for anyone aiming to retain or claim the title.
A Division Waiting for a Shake-Up
The heavyweight division has long been dominated by marquee names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua. However, Bakole’s emergence as a feared contender has added a new dynamic to the mix. His combination of power, resilience, and hunger to prove himself has made him a fighter to watch.
Should Bakole win the IBF eliminator and secure a title shot, it could set the stage for a dramatic shift in the division. His presence poses a significant threat to the established hierarchy, and Shalom believes Bakole has what it takes to become a long-reigning champion.
“He is the bogeyman of the division, but his time is coming,” Shalom reiterated. “Once he becomes IBF World Champion, he can rule the division for a long time.”
Conclusion
The pressure is mounting on Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang to take on Martin Bakole, a fighter many consider the most avoided in the heavyweight division. With Kabayel already stepping aside and Zhang likely to follow suit, Bakole’s path to an IBF title shot seems inevitable.
For Dubois, the looming prospect of facing Bakole represents a significant challenge in his career. While Dubois has the credentials to compete at the highest level, the fearsome reputation of Bakole ensures that any bout between the two would be a high-stakes, must-watch encounter.
As Shalom aptly put it, “They can run, but they can’t hide.” The heavyweight division may soon witness the rise of its next dominant force in Martin Bakole.
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