Martin Bakole's search for a new opponent continues after Agit Kabayel pulled out of their IBF world title eliminator. The Congolese heavyweight now sets his sights on a potential clash with Zhilei Zhang.
Kabayel's team withdrew from purse bids, possibly eyeing a direct shot at IBF champion Daniel Dubois. This move supports claims that Bakole is the most avoided heavyweight in the division.
Bakole's recent wins over Carlos Takam in Saudi Arabia and his knockout of Jared Anderson in the US have solidified his position as a formidable contender. The fighter, trained by Billy Nelson, expressed his frustration on social media.
"I'm so disappointed that Kabayel has pulled out of this fight. He doesn't want the smoke, he doesn't want the smoke from the Congolese Warrior."
Bakole, who started his camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, quickly shifted his focus to a new target - Zhilei Zhang.
"I think I shall fight the 'Big Zhang'. I'm asking His Excellency Turki Alalsheik if he can make the Big Zhang fight. I would be so happy to fight the big man from China."
Zhang, known as "Big Zhang," has had an impressive run lately. He stopped Deontay Wilder, lost a close decision to Joseph Parker, and scored two stoppage wins over Joe Joyce. A bout between Bakole and Zhang would pit two knockout artists against each other.
Bakole added:
"I don't know why they are hiding, I don't know what they don't want the smoke. I can see they don't want to get knocked out, and now everyone can see that. I think people now they are believing me that people don't want to fight me cause they know I will knock them out."
The IBF has officially ordered the Bakole-Zhang fight to take place. All eyes are now on Zhang to see if he'll accept the challenge. If he does, fans can look forward to an epic clash in the heavyweight division.
