Martin Bakole is no stranger to step forward when others not with his last challenge is no exception.
After Daniel Dubois was forced to retire due to a disease, Bakole agreed to fight against former world champion Joseph Parker with just a two -day warning.
The Congolese heavyweight is reaching the fight without a training camp and turned the balance to 315 pounds, just under 23 stone, when it made an exclusive weighing with Sport de Mail on Friday night, which It becomes an unusual but potentially dangerous confrontation for Parker.
Despite the lack of preparation, Bakole is widely considered one of the most avoided combatants in the division. Its size, power and relentless style have made the main contestants think twice before sharing the ring with it.
Now, with nothing to lose and everything to win, Bakole has the opportunity to shake the heavyweight scene in what could be a high -risk fight for Parker.
But who is the 31 -year -old who seeks to tear the script? Sport runs a look more closely at the man who intervenes to seize his time.
After Daniel Dubois was forced to retire due to the disease, Martin Bakole agreed to fight against former world champion Joseph Parker with only two days of prior notice
The Congolese heavyweight is reaching the fight without a training field and a weight of around 23 stones.
Professional career
Martin Bakole Ilunga, born on June 1, 1993 in Kananga, democratic republic of the Congo, is known for its formidable presence in the ring.
Standing at 6 feet and 6 inches, Bakole has established itself as one of the most feared men in the division.
By becoming a professional in 2014, Bakole quickly made a name with a series of impressive victories.
Despite a setback in 2018, where he suffered his first professional defeat against Michael Hunter, Bakole demonstrated resilience by embarking on a ten fighting streak.
This streak includes notable victories about heavyweights such as Mariusz Wach, Kevin Johnson, and a significant victory against Tony Yoka in May 2022.
In August 2024, Bakole further solidified his reputation by defeating the previously undefeated American prospect Jared Anderson. He assured a knockout in the fifth round, an performance that raised his position in the heavyweight ranking.
Known for its power, Bakole has often been labeled as one of the most avoided combatants in the heavyweight division. His willingness to face top -level opponents highlights their preparation to compete at the highest level.
As of February 2025, Bakole has a professional record of 21 victories and a defeat, with 16 of those victories that come from knockout.
Real roots and family influence
Coming from a distinguished family, Bakole's father serves as the king of the province of Kananga in Dr Congo. This real heritage instilled a sense of responsibility in him from an early age since he is seen as a prince.
His older brother, Ilunga Makabu, is a recognized boxer who had the CMB cruise weight title from 2020 to 2023.
Makabu's success significantly influenced Martin's decision to follow a boxing career, and brothers often train together during their training years.
Standing at 6 feet and 6 inches, Bakole has established itself as one of the most feared men in the division
Combat sessions with elite fighters
Bakole's reputation extends beyond official fighting; His combat sessions with first -level heavyweights have become a legend.
In particular, he has died with Anthony Joshua, where, according to the reports, he landed a powerful left hook that “shook his head and legs,” leaving a lasting impression in those present.
In addition, Bakole claims to have eliminated Oleksandr Ussyk during a combat session.
He told Sky Sports: 'even Usyk, I don't think he says yes (to fight me) because he stopped him in Dubai in combat. He knows how good I am. I don't know if he will say yes to fight with me too. I am telling the truth.
However, Ushk promoter Alexander Krassyuk refuted this statement. “Bakole is a great child,” Krassyuk said. 'He was the best USYK combat partner in the last three training fields. But I heard him stop Ushk only once, and prevented him from knocking Bakole.
As a result of the combat stories, Bakole has been labeled as the 'most avoided heavyweight' in the division.
Many combatants and promoters are reluctant to face it, possibly due to the high risk it presents without the attractiveness of a significant financial reward.
Shalom has expressed this avoidance, emphasizing Bakole's preparation to face any main contender.
Martin Bakole hits Carlos Takam during the heavyweight fight in October 2023 in Riad, Saudi Arabia
A passion for dance
Outside the ring, Bakole has a surprising passion: dance.
He often incorporates the dance in his training sessions, with a clip of the 31 -year -old player moving his hips turning viral on social networks. Bakole once joked his dance was improving his foot and agility game.
Despite this, Bakole is not known for being particularly light on his feet when he gets into the ring.
Instead, he often seeks to hunt his opponent with his pressure from the front feet, supporting them in the corners before downloading with strong blows.
It is a strategy that has worked for most of his career, and will probably deploy the same tactics against Parker.
Connections with Anthony Joshua
Bakole's connection with Anthony Joshua extends beyond his combat sessions, since discussions have emerged on high profile potential combat between the two heavyweights.
Bakole, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has expressed his desire to face Joshua, with the aim of bringing a marquee boxing event to Africa.
This ambition is aligned with the feelings expressed by its excellence Turki Alalshikh, who has shown interest in facilitating a confrontation between Bakole and Joshua on African soil.
The promoter of Bakole, Shalom, has also indicated that the negotiations are underway, which suggests that a fight in the Congo is a tangible possibility.
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearm told Mail Sport that he would be open to organizing the African fight as one of the last AJ fights before retiring.
Training in Scotland
Martin Bakole trains in Scotland under the guidance of respected coach Billy Nelson. Based on Airdrie, Nelson has played a crucial role in the refining of Bakole's skills and improving his reputation as one of the most feared men in the division.
The association between Bakole and Nelson began in 2016 when Bakole traveled to the United Kingdom to support his brother, Makabu, during a fight.
During this visit, Bakole entered with the then Nelson coach, Stephen Simmons, at the Fighting Scots gym in Glasgow. Impressed by Bakole's raw talent, Nelson extended an open invitation for future collaboration, which led to coach's current relationship.