Martin Bakole: The Rising Heavyweight Star from Congo to Scotland

The Journey of Martin Bakole Martin Bakole, a 31-year-old heavyweight boxer originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has made Scotland his home. Based in Airdrie, Bakole has been training under the guidance of experienced Scottish trainer Billy Nelson for nearly a decade. Despite Scotland's limited history in producing world-class heavyweights, Bakole's journey is one of determination and resilience.

A Late Replacement for Daniel Dubois In a surprising turn of events, Bakole stepped in as a late replacement for IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who fell ill just days before the fight. This last-minute change saw Bakole face off against Joseph Parker, a former WBO champion, in a bout that was televised globally. Despite the short notice, Bakole's promoter, Boxxer, expressed confidence in his fighter's ability to rise to the occasion.

An Impressive Professional Record Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing 280lbs, Bakole has carved out an impressive professional record of 21 wins, with 16 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His only defeat came seven years ago, and since then, he has climbed the ranks to become one of the top five heavyweights in the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO rankings. His partnership with Nelson has been instrumental in his development, with the trainer previously working with multi-weight champion Ricky Burns.

The Challenge Against Joseph Parker Facing Joseph Parker was no easy task. Parker, a seasoned fighter with a wealth of experience, posed a significant challenge. However, Bakole's size, power, and improved stamina since his 2018 loss to Michael Hunter made him a formidable opponent. Speaking on the 5 Live Boxing podcast, former world featherweight champion Barry Jones highlighted the difficulty Parker faced in preparing for such a different kind of fighter on short notice.

Looking Ahead A victory over Parker would not only solidify Bakole's position in the heavyweight division but also bring him closer to a shot at the world title. Bakole, who describes himself as 'born to conquer' on his social media profile, has expressed his desire to stage a world title fight in his adopted homeland of Scotland. His journey from Congo to Scotland and now to the global stage is a testament to his unwavering ambition and dedication to the sport.