Bakole’s Coach Hires Nutritionist After Ajagba Fight

Billy Nelson, the trainer of Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21–2–1, 16 KOs), has commented on his fighter’s ongoing weight issues following the majority draw against Efe Ajagba (20–1–1, 14 KOs).

According to Nelson, he was “in disbelief” when Bakole stepped on the scale at the weigh-in and registered 135.6 kg (299 lbs) before the bout.

“I'm not making excuses for him. I train Martin in the gym, but I'm not with him 24/7. I can't control what he eats and drinks.

When I left for Wales two weeks before the fight, he weighed around 130 kg. He was supposed to fly to Saudi Arabia the next day. I thought he’d drop to 127 kg easily — that was the target, losing about 35 pounds.

I didn’t weigh him again because he looked good in the gym. But then he showed up at 299 pounds. I couldn’t believe it. I was disappointed.”

Nelson added that Bakole would have stopped Ajagba if he had been in shape, and that these weight issues must be addressed immediately if Martin is to have any future as a championship-level fighter.

“Like it or not, we’re hiring a nutritionist. The issue is that Martin is a vegetarian and a bit stubborn. He barely touches British food — only African or Congolese cuisine, which he buys in Glasgow. I’m not sure how we’ll go about it, but a nutritionist will definitely help.

He needs to be much more disciplined and focused. I’m also bringing in an American strength and conditioning coach, which I think will be a major benefit for Martin.

He needs to understand this — otherwise, there’s no future. At least, not the kind he’s capable of having. I’ve seen him do things in the gym that other boxers simply can’t. But in that shape… that belly… it’s far from the real Martin Bakole. He’s so much better than that.

Had Martin entered the ring in better condition, he would’ve stopped Ajagba. He would’ve closed the distance, thrown more shots. People say he was out of shape, but he clearly won rounds 8, 9, and 10. So, no — the extra weight isn’t helping anyone.”

On May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba fought to a D-MD 10 draw. Bakole is now winless in two straight outings — in February, he stepped in for an ill Daniel Dubois against Joseph Parker, suffering a second-round TKO loss.