BoxRec

Anthony Joshua Next Fight Could be Against 'Most Avoided Heavyweight in the World'

Anthony Joshua's return to the boxing ring looks to be finally on the cards with a fight against Martin Bakole, after the latter's promoter, Ben Shalom, claimed that the fight is "done."

After hopes of a dream fight with fellow Brit Tyson Fury were dashed by the Gypsy King's retirement, AJ's return to world championship contention looks like it will start with a summer bout in Bakole's home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Shalom revealed the plan to talkSPORT while at one of his other fighters' matches, Adam Aziz, who beat Sergey Lipinets at Wembley Arena to claim the vacant IBO super lightweight belt, while giving a bold claim of confidence in his fighter.

"It's done. I'm hearing he's signed and we're off to the Congo. The number one heavyweight in the world."

The man of attention, Bakole, was also in attendance at the Aziz-Lipnets bout, and confirmed the prospect of the AJ fight in his nation, one that he is already training hard for.

"Outside the ring I keep working hard because my fight against him in Africa is a big fight. I think it will happen in the Congo... we need to fight in the same stadium and I think it's going to be in Congo. I think it will [happen in the summer] because they want us to fight in Africa."

Now que Hearn coming out to sue Ben for talking about it

Would be an odd fight for AJ to take at this point in his career and coming off a loss. If he was keen to fight in Africa you'd imagine he'd want it in Nigeria, not Bakole's home country, and probably not against Bakole at all.

JC wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 07:55 Would be an odd fight for AJ to take at this point in his career and coming off a loss. If he was keen to fight in Africa you'd imagine he'd want it in Nigeria, not Bakole's home country, and probably not against Bakole at all.

the fact that Bakole has a fight scheduled soon as well.

This feels strongly like absolutely desperate bullshit

Joshua won't fight him, my prediction is he will fight Fury next.

It was a sarcastic comment.

Bizarre thread really, this is clearly just silly rumours.

www.skysports.com/amp/boxing/news/12183 ... ben-shalom

Ben Shalom, Bakole's promoter, told Sky Sports: "Martin can't be avoided any longer. If he beats Efe Ajaba in May, he will be mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF world title, and we will be looking to enforce that mandatory immediately. He will be front of the queue and that fight will have to happen."

He added: "Martin is the most feared man in the heavyweight division and with good reason. He will be keeping a close eye on the Dubois-Parker fight, and whatever the outcome, I know Martin will be confident of taking the title when his time comes."

So Shalom thinks Bakole is facing Ajagba in May then fighting Joshua before the end of September? Possible but unlikely. Especially considering Bakole hasn't beaten Ajagba yet. Shalom probably just using Joshua's name to get Bakole in the news.

Ben Shalom story

or

BS story

can believe I just noticed his initials

Shalom , just keeps coming across has a bumbling tradesman , trying to stay relevent , , problem for him , Eddie , Frank ,, Arum , they talk bullshit you dont know because they have the clout to pull shit off ,, he says the same nonsence its just that NONSENCE .

stevec@france wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 15:10 Ben Shalom story

or

BS story

can believe I just noticed his initials

He was asked.

I never saw this fight coming....and most likely wont see it !

It will be the worst bit of match making for a long time if it's true.

stevec@france wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 15:10 Ben Shalom story

or

BS story

can believe I just noticed his initials

Thank you Steve, it hadn't occured to me either.

I don't mind this fight at all. Good confidence booster for AJ before the Fury fight if that happens.
I think AJ will deal with Bakole in the same manner as he did with Ngannau.
Unless he really is shot, then good for Martin Bakole.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 17:55

stevec@france wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 15:10 Ben Shalom story

or

BS story

can believe I just noticed his initials

He was asked.

what do you mean ? someone asked Bakole if he wants to earn mega £££ fighting AJ ..
thats probably a daily conversation with anyone in the top 15 - 20 rankings

OK, so:

(1) this fight is apparently going to happen soon in DR Congo

and

(2) this is what is currently in happening in DR Congo - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjexnzl372wo

Right.

Bullshit Shalom is a numb nuts Quite how he is pulling off his whole boxing operation is a bit mystifying, apart from the Skysports backing & money which will be considerable.

If AJ's career isn't already over then a bad loss to Bakole could be the last nail in the coffin. One thing i would put forward, is Joshua has a damn sight more guts than Bakole, but that might no longer be enough for AJ.

Total bullshit, according to Hearn

What a shock

https://x.com/EverythingBoxi2/status/18 ... WGBrw&s=19

No point in this fight really. Bakole already KO'd him a couple of times in sparring. The second time without throwing a punch. Lads got a strong gaze.

No doubt it is all BS, but the Wilder fight would sell.

Both AJ and Wilder walking the retirement tightrope