Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole are frequently mentioned to co-star in a thrilling heavyweight clash.
Former two-time champion Joshua is currently looking for a comeback fight after suffering a big knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in his bid to get the belt for the third time. Whilst Bakole – who has been riding a wave since his KO over Jared Anderson last year – would be a dangerous choice, the Brit has made it clear that he will fight all comers.
Speaking to IFL TV, former Joshua opponent Dillian Whyte disagreed with those saying the risk was all ‘AJ’s.
“I think that’s a great fight. Everyone says it’s dangerous fight for AJ but, me personally, I don’t think so. I think Bakole’s very confident. Confident from the sparring, confident from his last two, three performances. I think that works in AJ’s favour. I think he’s gonna walk to AJ with his hands down, try to fight AJ the same way he fought Jared Anderson. He’ll run into a big shot and get knocked out.
“AJ’s a big puncher. If you stand in front of AJ, he will knock you out. He won’t have to go and look for Bakole, Bakole’s gonna be right in front of him. AJ struggles with people with good boxing and movement.”
As for the infamous sparring sessions in which Bakole claims to have left Joshua on shaky legs, Whyte warned that those gym sessions play out very different than in the professional ring.
“You might be winning in sparring, but the fight’s different. In sparring you’ve got three or four sparring partners doing two rounds in, two rounds out. It’s you alone against three or four top heavyweights. A fight is me and you alone in there with 10 ounce gloves on for twelve rounds.
“AJ’s a big puncher. I’d actually pick AJ to win that fight … And AJ’s not my friend.”
Before the match-up can be discussed, Bakole has a final eliminator for the IBF mandatory slot in May against Efe Ajagba. Should he win, he will be in pole position to face champion Dubois.
