Congolese fighter Martin Bakole became the savior and an overnight sensation after he stepped in on two days’ notice to replace IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois during Saturday night’s fight against Joseph Parker. However, promoter Eddie Hearn and YouTube boxer Jake Paul aren’t happy about it.
Bakole seemingly had to take two flights just to arrive in Riyadh on the morning of the fight. It was obvious that Bakole stood no chance against Parker, who had had a proper camp for the fight. Still, Bakole chose to put his best step forward and face Parker head-on. It was immediately clear that Bakole was not at his healthiest due to his hefty figure. He even weighed in at a whopping 310 lbs—his career heaviest. Despite his bravery and best efforts, Parker sent the Congolese boxer crashing onto the canvas in the second round before the fight was brought to a stop.
This became a point of contention as Hearn and Jake Paul raised concerns about why Bakole was even allowed to participate against a former world champion by his team on such short notice. According to reports, Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom, and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh struck a deal to fly Bakole in instead of canceling the Parker fight. Regardless, following the fight, ‘The Problem Child’ hopped on X to write, “My man flew commercial flights to show up and fight one of the best in the world. Fair play to his courage but shame on his advisors.” Hearn too commented on the matter during an interview with The Stomping Ground.
“I don’t think the fight should have happened if I’m honest,” Hearn told the reporter. “I don’t think anyone did anything wrong. But you know when you’re representing Martin Bakole, you’ve got to ask yourself right… I think sometimes you need to just take a step back and go, ‘What on Earth were you doing?’”
Meanwhile, Bakole is already set to face his next opponent.
Martin Bakole will fight in another IBF title eliminator
Martin Bakole is set to return in May for a major IBF heavyweight title eliminator, despite his recent knockout loss to Joseph Parker. Bakole had initially been lined up to face Efe Ajagba in an IBF eliminator before taking the Parker fight. While it remains unclear how the IBF will view his recent loss, his promoter Ben Shalom remains confident in his future.
“Martin wanted to take a big opportunity to save the show. It was always a massive risk,” Shalom told Sky Sports News. “But he wanted the fight on the assurance of him fighting in a big fight in May with notice.” With a proper training camp, Bakole will look to prove why he was previously considered “the most dangerous heavyweight on the planet.”
That said, Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn don’t seem too happy with Ben Shalom right now. But it’s important to note that Martin Bakole agreed to take the fight and probably received way more money for the Parker fight than his upcoming bout. What is your take on the matter?
