The Unexpected Reversal: Hearn’s Flip-Flop
Martin Bakole is no stranger to controversy, but the recent comments from Eddie Hearn have left him scratching his head. After initially supporting Bakole’s decision to take the fight against Joseph Parker on just two days’ notice, Hearn has seemingly changed his tune. Bakole, a formidable heavyweight, points out that Hearn has always been a strong advocate for his fighters, even in the face of setbacks. One notable example is Anthony Joshua, whom Hearn backed after his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019. Bakole is perplexed by Hearn’s contradictory stance, questioning why he should be treated differently.
Equally Positioned: The IBF Title Eliminator
Despite the setback against Parker, Bakole remains focused on his upcoming fight on May 2nd against Efe Ajagba, an IBF title eliminator. Bakole contends that the fight with Parker served the same purpose as the one with Ajagba, as both are significant stepping stones towards a potential world title shot. "Ajagba is an IBF eliminator. So, fighting Joseph Parker is for the IBF eliminator. They’re both the same. I don’t see any change," Bakole told The Stomping Ground. If Bakole can secure a win against Ajagba while maintaining his weight in the low 280s, he will position himself as the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title currently held by Daniel Dubois.
A Question of Trust and Support
Bakole’s frustration is palpable. He recalls Hearn’s initial confidence in him, stating, "He [Hearn initially] said, ‘That would be a better fight than Dubois.’" Bakole is bewildered by Hearn’s post-fight comments suggesting that he shouldn’t have taken the Parker bout. Bakole points out that knockouts are a part of boxing, and Hearn has consistently believed in Joshua, even after his losses to Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk. "Why change it [after I was] knocked out because that can happen. That happened to AJ. Andy Ruiz hit him with a beautiful punch. It’s the same with me. He [Hearn] kept believing in AJ. He went back to the gym, worked hard, and became a two-time champion. So, why did he [Hearn] change now?" Bakole’s question is a valid one, highlighting the inconsistency in Hearn’s support.
Avoidance and Protection: Shielding Joshua?
Bakole believes that Hearn and other promoters are deliberately avoiding setting up a fight between him and Joshua. He suggests that this avoidance stems from a recognition of his potential threat. "They’re all avoiding. They don’t want to put me in with the best because they know I’m dangerous. Eddie watched me spar with Joshua. He knows how capable I am. He knew if I was in the camp for one or two months, Joseph Parker wasn’t going to say yes to fight me," Bakole asserts. An in-shape Bakole, weighing in at over 280 pounds, would pose a significant challenge to Joshua, whose career is already on thin ice following his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois. Hearn, known for his protective stance towards his top fighters, is unlikely to risk Joshua’s career against such a formidable opponent.
The Africa Proposition: A Dream Fight Unfolding?
Bakole’s dream is to fight Joshua in Africa, a venue he believes would be fitting and exciting. He has publicly called out Hearn, emphasizing his desire for the bout. "I come out and call Eddie and say, I want to fight AJ in Africa. [Turki Alalshikh] says, ‘You want to see Martin Bakole and AJ in Africa?’ Eddie Hearn never says anything. He doesn’t want it," Bakole said. The silence from Hearn speaks volumes, suggesting that the fight is unlikely to materialize anytime soon. Bakole’s persistence, however, keeps the possibility alive in the minds of boxing fans and media alike.
Moving Forward: Bakole’s Resilience
Despite the recent loss to Parker and the apparent lack of support from Hearn, Bakole remains undeterred. He is committed to his training and dedicated to proving his worth in the heavyweight division. The May 2nd fight against Ajagba is a crucial opportunity for him to bounce back and reassert his position as a top contender. Bakole’s resilience and determination are evident, and he is determined to rise through the ranks and challenge the best, regardless of the obstacles placed in his path. As he continues to push forward, Bakole’s journey in boxing serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and ambition.
