In a surprising turn of events that has caught the attention of boxing enthusiasts, Agit Kabayel’s withdrawal from the purse bids for a highly anticipated showdown with Martin Bakole has left the latter in a precarious position. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) had sanctioned this fight as a final eliminator, aiming to set the stage for Bakole’s ascent toward becoming the IBF mandatory challenger. Now, with Kabayel stepping back, the heavyweight landscape appears increasingly challenging for Bakole, who is fervently seeking a path to the title.
Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, recently shared his views with Sky Sports, revealing that Zhilei Zhang, the IBF’s No.5 contender, has been called upon to face Bakole next. Shalom expressed optimism about Bakole’s eagerness to engage in this bout, indicating the significance it holds for Bakole’s future in the division. However, he also voiced skepticism regarding Zhang’s willingness to participate, suggesting that Bakole is being systematically avoided in the heavyweight realm.
Shalom’s sentiments highlight an alarming trend within the division: fighters are hesitant to face Bakole, who he describes as the “bogeyman” of heavyweight boxing. His formidable record and recent knockout victory over Jared Anderson only accentuate the severity of this situation. The promoter is adamant that Bakole’s aspirations for the IBF title, currently held by Daniel Dubois, are justified. “They can run, but they can’t hide,” Shalom insisted, showcasing both his confidence in Bakole’s abilities and the urgency to secure a fight.
The question of who will step up to fight Bakole hangs in the balance. If Zhang opts not to take on the challenge, Frank Sanchez, who is coming off a stoppage defeat by Kabayel, may be next in line. Yet, the heavyweight title picture remains murky, with no commitments from potential opponents. Bakole’s record of 21 wins, including 16 knockouts, underscores his potential, but the unwillingness of others to face him raises serious concerns about matchmaking integrity in the heavyweight division.
As for IBF champion Daniel Dubois, the timeline for his next challenger is unclear. His ability to arrange fights often takes precedence over mandatory challengers, putting Bakole’s aspirations at risk. The upcoming dates will be critical: Dubois must fulfill his mandatory obligations by June, and the notification for this will arrive on April 22.
Bakole’s hunger for action cannot be overstated; he is a fighter eager to prove his mettle against worthy contenders. The heavyweight division is notorious for its complexities, with politics and personal agendas often overshadowing pure competition. For Martin Bakole, the next steps are pivotal—not only for his career but for the authenticity of the sport. Whether it be Zhang, Sanchez, or another contender, the challenge remains: will anyone have the courage to step into the ring with Bakole? Only time will tell if he will soon claim the title he is so desperately seeking.