Latest news with #Bakole
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Moses Itauma's next fight opponent ruled out despite brutal Mike Balogun KO
The undefeated heavyweight sensation has been tipped for big things following his destructive knockout win over Mike Balogun on Saturday night Boxing promoter Frank Warren has shut down a potential heavyweight dust-up between Martin Bakole and rising star Moses Itauma. On Saturday night the 20-year-old continued his stunning rise in boxing with a scintillating second-round knockout victory over ex-American football sensation Mike Balogun. The British heavyweight prospect dropped Balogun three times in total as he extended his perfect record to 12-0. With ten of his 12 wins coming by way of knockout, many individuals within boxing are tipping the youngster to become a world champion in the very near future. Fans and experts alike are eager to see the promising British heavyweight step into the ring with a top-level opponent next. Bakole, 31, has emerged as a fan-favourite pick for Itauma's next challenge. The heavyweight boxer was beaten by Joseph Parker in February after stepping in on late notice and recently battled Efe Ajagba to a majority draw earlier this month in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of the chatter surrounding Bakole, Warren has clarified that he won't be matching up with the undefeated Brit. Regarding Bakole as a possible next opponent for Itauma, Warren said to Queensberry Promotion's YouTube channel: "No! Bakole's got to be able to get himself in shape, the state of him, not happening." The Congolese boxer was ringside for Itauma's latest win and was quick to share his thoughts on the performance. "Moses has got a beautiful career before him. I want him to build up his career," he remarked. "But big Martin Bakole, [right] now, I think it is too early for him. I want him to work hard and maybe be a world champion tomorrow. But I don't want him to pick me now because he'd be making a big mistake. He's playing with the fire. [But] he's a man. If he thinks he can handle me, I'm open to it." Reflecting on his victory over Balogun in Glasgow, Itauma shared: "I appreciate Mike Balogun, he is one tough cookie. I couldn't believe he got up from the second one. Thanks to Mike Balogun for taking the fight, because nobody else would. I don't have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder. And then I want in with the big dogs." In his short career so far, the British fighter has already appeared on two Tyson Fury undercards in Saudi Arabia, earning commendations from the 'Gypsy King' himself, and has delivered impeccable performances each time. His victories over opponents like Demsey McKean, Mariusz Wach, and Ilja Mezencev have led many to predict that he will soon clinch a world championship title and dominate the sport for years to come.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba LIVE RESULTS: Card on NOW – fight time and updates as pair meet in huge heavyweight clash
MARTIN BAKOLE and Efe Ajagba go head-to-head in a huge heavyweight bout TODAY! The pair meet on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs William Skull as the Mexican defends his WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles in Saudi Arabia. Bakole returns for the first time since he faced Joseph Parker on two days' notice back in February. Parker brutally knocked out the Congolese boxer in the second round, and now, less than three months later, he returns looking to get back to winning ways and become a serious heavyweight contender once again. 4 minutes ago By Kieran Davies Bakole looking to bounce back The Congolese contender was stopped brutally in round two by Joseph Parker in February—a fight he took on just 48 hours' notice. Despite the setback, Bakole retains his promoter's confidence. He knew what defeat to Parker would mean to his career but he is hoping with an impressive victory tonight, he can wipe that fight from the boxing world's memory. 6 minutes ago By Kieran Davies Welcome to Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba This one is being hyped as the 'Battle for Africa'. These two heavyweights should provide a heavy-hitting show of pure power and pain. Though it no longer serves as an IBF final eliminator due to Bakole's recent loss, this fight remains a pivotal clash between two top-15 contenders whose future relevance in the heavyweight elite depends on the outcome. A victory for either man won't guarantee a title shot, but it will open the door to fights against the likes of Kubrat Pulev, Michael Hunter, or another top 10 contender. For Bakole, this is less about opportunity and more about survival.
Forbes
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Canelo Alvarez Vs. William Scull Fight Card: What Time Does It Start?
Mexico's Canelo Alvarez (L) and Cuba's William Scull stand on stage during a weigh in ahead of their ... More super middleweight boxing match in Riyadh on May 2, 2025. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images) I speak for all boxing fans when I say I hope Saturday night's card is better than Friday's show at Times Square. On Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez will seek to add the WBO super middleweight title to his collection as he takes on William Scull in the main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On Friday night, Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Rolly Romero produced victories in a mostly lackluster fight card from the iconic venue in New York. Canelo and Scull headline the card in Saudi Arabia that also features the rematch between Jaime Munguia and Bruno Surace. Here is a look at the start time and full card for the event. Date: Saturday, May 3 Time: 1 p.m. ET TV/Stream: DAZN PPV Bakole-Ajagba is a battle of two heavyweights with hopes of ascending into championship contender status. Bakole suffered a second-round KO loss in his last fight, which was a late-notice bout against Joseph Parker in February. Bakole was promised he would still get the opportunity to face Ajagba, and Turki Alalshikh, the President of the General Entertainment Authority, made good on the pact with the powerful African heavyweight. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 28: Martin Bakole celebrates victory over Carlos Takam after the ... More Heavyweight fight between Martin Bakole and Carlos Takam at Boulevard Hall on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Despite his loss to Parker, Bakole maintains lofty potential as a man with the potential to present any heavyweight a problem if he has a complete training camp. Munguia is out for revenge. He was savagely knocked out by Surace in 2024 in a fight that was supposed to be a homecoming event for Munguia in Tijuana. Munguia is getting an opportunity to avenge the defeat on the undercard of a former foe in Canelo. Surace has a chance to prove that his victory was no fluke and that he has what it takes to be a player at 168 pounds. Mexico's Jaime Munguia stands on stage during the weigh in on the eve of his super middleweight ... More boxing match against France's Bruno Surace (not pictured) in Riyadh on May 2, 2025. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images) One of the most underrated fighters of the past decade, Jack defends his cruiserweight title against Mikaeljan in a fight that could be the most competitive of the night. Jack often finds himself in wars, and Mikaeljan is primed to oblige. Despite being arguably the lesser-known of the matchups, it could be a sleeper. To put it plainly, no one is giving Scull much of a chance to pull an upset against Canelo. Some sportsbooks have Canelo as a minus-5000 favorite. If there is much of a question about the outcome of the bout, most would say it is involving the method of the Mexican icon's victory. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 02: William Scull steps off the scale after weighing in ahead of his IBF, ... More WBC and WBO World Super Middleweight titles fight against Canelo Alvarez as part of the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at Boulevard City Studio on May 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Canelo hasn't finished an opponent since 2021, but neither has Scull, which would suggest this fight has a good chance to end in a decision. Either way, Canelo is expected to have his hand raised at the end of the night. If he doesn't, we will have another story. Stay tuned for fight card coverage later this evening.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull full fight card official with 6 bouts, Martin Bakole's return
One of the biggest fights of 2025's first half now has its supporting cast, as five bouts have been confirmed for the Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. William Scull undercard on May 3 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the co-feature, Jaime Munguia gets an immediate shot at redemption in a rematch with France's Bruno Surace. Munguia (44-2, 35 KOs) was seemingly miles ahead on the scorecards this past December when he was brutally knocked out by Surace in the sixth round in a major upset. Surace (26-0, 5 KOs) was priced as high as a 12-to-1 underdog by BetMGM bookmakers when he tore up the script in Munguia's Tijuana homecoming. Also on the Alvarez vs. Scull undercard, Martin Bakole clashes with Efe Ajagba in a heavyweight contest. Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) was ordered to face Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) by the IBF as a final eliminator for Daniel Dubois' world title until he stepped in as a short-notice replacement for Dubois on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 undercard in February to face Joseph Parker. Bakole was knocked out in the second round by Parker, and as a result the IBF rescinded its order for Bakole vs. Ajagba, so it will not be a final eliminator bout when the pair clash in May. Bakole earned the best win of his career — a fifth-round knockout of American heavyweight Jared Anderson — prior to faltering against Parker. Ajagba was last in action when he edged Guido Vianello by split decision this past April. The Nigerian will end a 12-month layoff when he faces Bakole. Additionally, Badou Jack defends his WBC cruiserweight title against his mandatory challenger Ryan Rozicki on the Alvarez vs. Scull lineup. Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs), a three-division world champion, hasn't boxed in almost two years. His most recent in-ring appearance came when he won the WBC cruiserweight championship with a 12th-round stoppage win over Ilunga Makabu in February 2023. Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) is on an eight-fight win streak since dropping a unanimous decision to Oscar Rivas in 2021 for the WBC bridgerweight belt. In his most recent outing, the Canadian fought to a draw against Yamil Alberto Peralta, whom he previously defeated by split decision. Rounding out the card, 2024 Olympic silver medalist Marco Verde (0-0) makes his professional debut against Michel Galvan Polina (4-5-3, 2 KOs) and Brayan Leon (6-0, 6 KOs) battles Aaron Rocha Guerrero (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in a light heavyweight contest. Undisputed super middleweight title: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. William Scull Super middleweight: Jaime Munguia vs. Bruno Surace 2 Heavyweight: Martin Bakole vs. Efe Ajagba WBC cruiserweight title: Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki Middleweight: Marco Verde vs. Michel Polina Light heavyweight: Brayan Leon vs. Aaron Guerrero
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joseph Parker targets heavyweight's biggest names, feels 'screwed' by boxing's power brokers after Dubois drama
Joseph Parker has three targets in sight for his next fight: Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois or Anthony Joshua. One of those bouts would've already happened had IBF heavyweight champion Dubois not been forced from his fight with Parker on just over two days' notice last week. The pair were scheduled to clash on the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol 2 undercard, but Martin Bakole replaced Dubois at the last minute after Dubois was ruled unfit to proceed with the bout. "We were heading to the press conference, and all I heard was, 'No, this is not true, this is not true.' I said, 'What's wrong, Andy [Lee — Parker's head coach]?' And he showed me all these articles [from] The Ring about Dubois being ill and [the] possibility of [him] pulling out of the fight," Parker explained to Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show." "That was when we first heard about it. [We] got to the press conference, and then we heard more that [the fight] probably won't happen." As soon as news of Dubois' likely withdrawal was learned, Spencer Brown, Parker's manager, went to work to seek a suitable replacement. Numerous fighters threw their names into the hat, but Parker informed Brown that he wanted the toughest fight that could be made on short notice. "All these names started coming on board of who we can have as a replacement," Parker said. "There was [Lawrence] Okolie, there was Bakole, there was Joe Joyce, and there were a few other names. One thing I said to Spencer was, 'Get me Bakole,' because that's the fight that gets me amped up and gets me excited about still being involved in this big event that happened on the 22nd of February." Bakole was coming off an upset knockout win over American heavyweight Jared Anderson and consequently was viewed as a fighter many would like to avoid. Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel had been ordered to face Bakole in late 2024 and decided against it, choosing to box each other on the Beterbiev-Bivol 2 card instead. "I feel the same way [that Bakole's team thought Parker wouldn't accept Bakole as a replacement]," Parker told Uncrowned. "With Martin, he's the boogeyman. I know he didn't get the best notice, but he did take the fight, and he did actually believe that he was going to come in there and knock me out. We did call their bluff and accepted the fight. When I heard that Martin Bakole was locked in for me, I was like, "Yes!" I have a fight, and I'm fighting one of the best fighters out there." Parker floored Bakole with a right-hand temple shot in the second round of their fight, and Bakole was pulled out by his trainer Billy Nelson after the knockdown. "I feel that Martin Bakole came with the utmost belief that he was going to beat me. Even though he [didn't have a] full camp, he believed [that he was going to win]. We had sparring sessions together, so [I know] he fully believed he was going to knock me out. Just cause that punch landed on the top of his head — it could've went a different way. Imagine we're sitting here talking like he won the fight, or imagine we're sitting here talking like it was a longer fight than what actually went down, it would be a different conversation altogether. He did believe that he was going to knock me out, he's a great fighter Martin Bakole, he's got great timing, and some of the punches he landed did hurt, and it still hurts now." Even a week after Dubois' pullout, we are no closer to learning the reason behind the move and what specifically the medical issue was. Just days after Dubois withdrew, unified heavyweight champion Usyk stated that he would like to box Dubois next in a four-belt unification matchup, and focus seems to have shifted toward that fight rather than scheduling Dubois-Parker, much to the annoyance of Parker. "It feels weird because [Dubois] was at the public workout and then, just like that, he got real ill and there was no real statement," Parker said. "There's no real proof or doctors, there's nothing. Even after the fight, nothing has come out. It feels a bit weird. It feels a bit strange that during that time that Usyk started calling out Dubois saying he wants him next — I'm not saying he wasn't ill or he was ill, I'm just saying I'm not sure what's happening." If Dubois and Usyk were to face each other next, it would tie up all the belts and leave WBO interim champion Parker waiting even longer for a world championship opportunity. Parker previously held the WBO title from 2016 until he lost it in 2018 to Joshua. The New Zealander has now won twelve out of his last thirteen fights, which includes a six-fight, two-year unbeaten streak. "It does feel like that way [that we're being screwed]," Parker acknowledged. "It feels like we're so close to fighting for a world title, [and] then all of a sudden he got sick, and now they're lining up this big fight with Usyk and Dubois. I'm not sure what we need to do in order to lock in a championship of the world fight. I think we've done everything asked of [us], and hopefully we can lock in a championship of the world fight "I'd love the opportunity just to test myself against Usyk. Usyk is a great fighter, I'd love to see what I'm capable of doing against someone like that." Parker wants to challenge either Usyk or Dubois, with his preference being a fight against the three-belt titleholder from Ukraine, but neither fight seems likely to occur next, leaving the former champion potentially exploring a rematch with Joshua. When the pair met in a 2018 unification bout, Joshua won a wide decision over Parker in Cardiff, Wales. "As we focus on myself and my career, [Usyk, Joshua, and Dubois] would be the next in line," Parker told Uncrowned. "I think [Joshua would accept the fight]. As a fighter, we back ourselves 100%. Anytime, anywhere, anyplace against anyone. I think he would accept the fight with me, but it'll be a very different fight to the fight that we had in 2018. Obviously, we're both different fighters now: both more mature, older, and wiser. I feel like the fighter that I was before — sometimes I look back and go, 'Who is that guy?'"
