Tony Bellew has criticised one of the world’s top heavyweights for his lack of dedication.
Boxing is a notoriously gruelling sport even before fight night. The hard sparring rounds, the road miles and the work in the gym all take their eventual toll on fighters as much as the in-ring action.
Only those prepared to push themselves to the very limits each and every time achieve the greatest, and there are many examples of fighters who get found out once the bell tolls.
Speaking to BetIdeas, Bellew has been reflecting on Martin Bakole, a current contender in the banner division whom he has called out for what he perceives to be a lack of discipline.
Bakole is renowned by his sparring stories, including claims he stopped world champions Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, but as of yet has not managed to fully translate that on fight night, recently losing inside two to Joseph Parker, then getting a draw against Efe Ajagba that some feel was lucky.
With that in mind, Bellew has given his assessment on Bakole, claiming that he doesn’t perform when under the lights.
“I dunno where he’s getting these shots from because he was absolutely horrendous against Joe Parker. I thought he would’ve learned his lesson, but against Efe Ajagba, he was in the same shape again. I’m thinking to myself, ‘where’s this man’s discipline? Where is his head at?’
“He’s obviously a good fighter and the gym stories that have come from him are absolutely phenomenal. He’s probably the greatest gym fighter the world’s ever seen. It’s just unfortunate for him that it only matters when you get under the lights. And a couple of times he’s come under the lights and had big nights.
“He lost to Michael Hunter and never forced that rematch, which wouldn’t get my head around. He’s lost Joseph Parker now, and then he’s got a draw with Ajagba.”
Bellew may have got his wish to see Bakole perform in a big fight. He and his trainer, Billy Nelsons, have promised a significant bout towards the end of the year. Bakole had been named as a potential opponent for young heavyweight hopeful and KO artist Moses Itauma, but Itauma is now taking on Dillian Whyte this summer.
