A top-level heavyweight is looking to work his way into world title contentions, but it has now been revealed that it will not be with a fight against Martin Bakole.
Bakole was once known as the most avoided man in the heavyweight division. However, his recent results in the ring have somewhat stunted that reputation.
He stepped in at late notice to fight Joseph Parker in February and was stopped inside two rounds, and then was, in the eyes of many, lucky to get a draw against Efe Agbaje just a few weeks after that. Many in the sport have criticised Bakole for not looking in top condition for that latest outing, including former world champion Tony Bellew and top promoter Frank Warren.
In the past, he has stopped the well-rated Jared Anderson and teak-tough Carlos Takam, but also had a loss to the much smaller American, Michael Hunter.
Speaking to BoxNation, fellow heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic broke down recent negotiations involving a potential contest with the Congolese fighter and outlined why it hasn’t happened.
“First, they offered me Martin Bakole, and I said yes but Bakole said no. Then they came with David Adeleye after and he agreed to fight me so we made a quick deal.”
It was put to him that Bakole might have been a tough fight given his former reputation, but the former Olympic medal winner strongly disagreed.
“He’s a boogeyman maybe for girls, because he is ugly and fat, but not for real fighters.”
Last time out, Hrgovic beat Joe Joyce on points over 10 rounds, and before that in June 2024 was stopped by Daniel Dubois, who went on to be evaluated to full IBF champion after the fight.
Hrgovic and David Adeleye will clash in a heavyweight fight on the August 16 card set to be headlined by Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, has since responded to the comments from Hrgovic, saying that it was the Croatian who avoided his man.
