“He knows what happened in sparring”: Bakole ready to fight Joshua

Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole shared his thoughts on a potential fight against former world champion Anthony Joshua.

“I’d take the fight with Joshua without hesitation. We’re both Africans, and boxing is coming back to Africa. But Joshua doesn’t want to fight me. He knows what happened in sparring. If we get in the ring — I’ll knock him out, no doubt about it.

I’d knock him out even in Nigeria, in front of his own crowd. That’s the fight that needs to be made. And it has to happen in Africa. It would be Rumble in the Jungle II,” said Bakole.

Earlier, Joshua was offered a bout in Nigeria, with Bakole named among the potential opponents.

In May, Martin Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) fought Efe Ajagba to a majority draw.

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out in the fifth round by Daniel Dubois.