The Bakole-Joshua Feud: A Heavyweight Clash of Words and Aspirations
The world of heavyweight boxing is no stranger to heated rivalries and verbal sparring, and the latest feud brewing between Congolese contender Martin Bakole and former two-time unified world champion Anthony Joshua is a prime example. Bakole, a rising force in the division, has launched a scathing attack on Joshua, fueled by the British boxer’s public support for Bakole’s upcoming opponent, Nigerian Efe Ajagba. This war of words, playing out across social media and interviews, adds another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated IBF title eliminator bout.
The heart of the dispute lies in Joshua’s endorsement of Ajagba, his fellow countryman, in the upcoming eliminator. Bakole, who boasts an impressive record and a recent victory over highly touted prospect Jared Anderson, sees Joshua’s comments as not only disrespectful but also a slight to his own abilities and ambitions. He perceives Joshua’s backing of Ajagba as an attempt to undermine his own chances and dismiss his potential as a genuine threat in the heavyweight landscape.
Bakole’s frustration is further compounded by what he sees as Joshua’s hypocrisy. He has repeatedly called out Joshua for a fight in the past, particularly emphasizing his desire to bring a major boxing event to Africa. However, these calls seemingly fell on deaf ears, leaving Bakole feeling ignored and disrespected by a fellow heavyweight contender. Now, with Joshua openly supporting Ajagba against him, Bakole’s frustration has boiled over, transforming into a public challenge and a promise of a knockout victory, not just against Ajagba, but against Joshua as well.
Adding fuel to the fire is Bakole’s claim of having sparred with Daniel Dubois, the man who recently knocked out Joshua, and inflicting damage in the form of two broken noses. This assertion serves as a direct challenge to Joshua’s credibility and toughness, suggesting that if Dubois, who supposedly struggled against Bakole in sparring, could knock out Joshua, then Bakole himself could deliver an even more devastating outcome. This boast is not merely a display of confidence but a calculated tactic to goad Joshua into a response and potentially set the stage for a future showdown.
The Bakole-Ajagba fight, now scheduled to take place in Riyadh following its removal from the Beterbiev-Bivol undercard, carries significant weight. It’s an IBF title eliminator, meaning the winner becomes the mandatory challenger for the current champion, Daniel Dubois. This adds a layer of importance beyond personal animosity, as the victor will be one step closer to a world title shot. The IBF rankings currently place Bakole third and Ajagba fifth, with the top two spots vacant, further highlighting the significance of this bout in shaping the future of the heavyweight division.
This war of words between Bakole and Joshua adds a compelling narrative to the upcoming fight. Bakole’s anger and frustration are palpable, fueled by perceived slights and unfulfilled ambitions. He sees the Ajagba fight not just as a stepping stone to a title shot, but also as an opportunity to prove his worth and silence his doubters, including Joshua. While Joshua remains occupied with his own career trajectory following the Dubois loss, his public endorsement of Ajagba has inadvertently drawn him into a conflict with a hungry and determined contender eager to make a statement. The outcome of the Bakole-Ajagba fight will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the heavyweight division, potentially setting the stage for a future clash between Bakole and Joshua, should both fighters emerge victorious in their respective endeavors.
