Martin Bakole is getting ready for a big fight against Agit Kabayel. This match will decide who gets a shot at the world title next.
Bakole's been pushing for a big fight for a while now. He made a strong statement when he beat Jared Anderson in Los Angeles. That win showed why some top heavyweights might not want to face him.
After that fight, Bakole wanted to take on Zhilei Zhang. But Zhang didn't seem interested. Bakole didn't hold back his thoughts on this:
"I came to give Zhang his shoes. He is running away. I am in Congo training hard for big Zhang, but I heard he said no to the fight. Your team is protecting you and don't want you to get knocked out."
Now, the IBF has stepped in. They've set up a fight between Bakole and Kabayel. The winner will be next in line for a world title shot. Bakole seems fired up about this chance:
"I am focused now on Agit Kabayel, so Kabayel be ready. Big thank you to the IBF for giving me this big opportunity, I am looking forward to being number one next year. Kabayel you are going to get it. Nobody will run away from this. I am the future, next year is my year. Bakole is the next king."
Kabayel's not backing down either. He's shared a post on social media saying he's up for the fight.
Both fighters are coming off impressive wins. Bakole stopped Carlos Takam in Saudi Arabia before his win over Anderson. Kabayel's been busy too. He surprised everyone by beating Arslanbek Makhmudov in four rounds. Before that, he stopped the unbeaten Frank Sanchez in seven rounds.
The fight will likely happen during the Riyadh Season card. It's a big chance for both men. The winner could end up facing the IBF World Champion. Right now, that's Daniel Dubois. But Dubois has a rematch with Anthony Joshua coming up in February 2025. He knocked out Joshua in five rounds last September.
Watch this story: Tyson Fury's Former Opponent Delivers Bold Prediction for Usyk Rematch: "He's Too Big"
This fight between Bakole and Kabayel is shaping up to be a big one. Both guys have something to prove. And with a world title shot on the line, you can bet they'll bring their A-game.