Martin Bakole has made a big splash in the heavyweight division. The 31-year-old Congolese fighter knocked out Jared Anderson, who many saw as America's heavyweight hope. Bakole ended the fight in the fifth round after scoring three knockdowns.
Bakole's win over Anderson was the most impressive performance on the card. For a long time, he'd been telling everyone he was the dangerman in the heavyweight division. He backed up those claims with sparring tales, but fans wanted to see him prove it in the ring. Now, he's done just that.
The victory has improved Bakole's standing with Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh, opening up more opportunities for big fights.
After his win, Bakole didn't waste time calling out potential opponents. He's got his sights set on three fighters: Zhilei Zhang, Agit Kabayel, and Joseph Parker.
"For right now, people that are on my level. People I'm allowed to fight because I'm number six now in the top ten. I would like to fight seven, eight, nine, ten. I'll mention Zhang. It will be a good fight, I want to stop that man. I'll mention Kabayel. That is a big fight. I would say Joseph Parker. That's three names."
Bakole's promotional company, BOXXER, shared his statement on social media, drumming up interest in these potential matchups.
However, some of these fights might be hard to make. Promoter Frank Warren says Zhang will likely have a rematch with Joseph Parker, who recently beat him. That takes both fighters off the table for now.
Kabayel could be a more realistic option. He's been mostly inactive for years but is making a comeback on Riyadh Season shows. A fight with Bakole could be a good next step for both men.
Bakole's win over Anderson isn't his first big victory. He's already beaten two other heavyweight contenders many consider 'boogeymen': Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez. These wins, coupled with his knockout of Anderson, have firmly established Bakole as a dangerous force in the heavyweight division.
Now, all eyes are on Bakole's next move. Will he get the big fight he's after? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – the heavyweight division has a new threat to watch out for.
