By Victor Kanayo
There are indications that British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua could engage in a blockbuster showdown in Africa.
This was disclosed by a promoter Ben Shalom, who revealed that a heavyweight clash between Martin Bakole and Joshua is now in the works.
Shalom was in attendance for Adam Azim’s victory over Sergey Lipinets on Saturday night at OVO Arena Wembley.
Azim recorded his best victory to date, stopping the Russian inside nine rounds to claim the vacant IBO super lightweight title.
Following the fight, Shalom confirmed that Bakole vs Joshua was a done deal after Bakole asserted that he would fight AJ in Africa in the summer.
Joshua and Bakole have been naturally thrust into a potential showdown ever since Tyson Fury announced in January that he was retiring from the sport.
Bakole, who boasts a record of 21-1 with 16 knockouts, is considered by many to be the most avoided heavyweight in the division.
However, the Congolese knockout artist has yet to receive due recognition on the world stage in a high-profile bout.
This is despite Bakole having sparred with some of the best in the gym, including Daniel Dubois and current champion Oleksandr Usyk, whom he claims to have knocked out.
One fight the 31-year-old Bakole has always set his sights on in the professional ranks is a clash with Joshua, 35, whom he sparred with while AJ trained in Sheffield.
The Congolese star is set to return in a world title eliminator against Efe Ajagba in May as he looks to cement his place among the division’s top contenders.
Joshua had hoped to face Fury next, but the showdown is now in jeopardy following the Gypsy King’s retirement.
AJ has yet to announce his next move following his brutal stoppage defeat to Dubois in September 2024.
However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has named Bakole as one of the potential opponents for his planned comeback.
