Ben Shalom believes Martin Bakole beats Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua if given enough preparartion

Ben Shalom believes Martin Bakole beats Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua if given enough preparation

Published On Thursday, March 6, 2025By Tim Rickson
Related Tags: Ben Shalom, Anthony Joshua, Martin Bakole

Ben Shalom still believes in Martin Bakole despite brutal KO defeat

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom spoke to BetFred about Martin Bakole’s defeat to Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh and what’s next for the heavyweight.

Bakole stepped in so last minute to replace Daniel Dubois, who had been taken ill, that his flight only arrived just in time for the fight, having to miss out on the pre-fight presser and weigh-in events.

The 33-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo weighed in at over 300lbs and was only able to last five minutes with the WBO Interim heavyweight champion from New Zealand.

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Despite the African giant's second loss, Ben Shalom is still confident his heavyweight charge is the most riskiest opponent in the division for any of the champions and contenders.

“For me, he’s still the most dangerous heavyweight in the world,” the promoter boldly claimed. “He wanted that opportunity, which of course was crazy, but I’m hoping he’s put his name out there and everybody knows who Martin Bakole is, which is half the battle, and now he will get the fights he deserves and the preparation he deserves.

“He fights in May on the May 3rd card, which is yet to be announced, so all we can do, as his promoter, is give him the opportunities he wants, but his opportunity now will come, which is the most exciting thing. Hopefully more fighters want to fight Martin Bakole now.”

During their 12-round championship fight, Parker landed a big, grazing shot on the top of Bakole's head, which instantly took the goliath's legs away from him.

Shalom replayed the moment, “It was a freak incident, he’s been hit on the top of the head, he got dizzy and it was what it was. Hats off to him. He’s under a lot of pressure now against Efe Ajagba and he can’t afford a slip up.”

Ben believes Bakole could have beaten Parker if he had enough preparation, and also added that he could still beat Anthony Joshua, if that fight they have been chasing for so long was to happen.

“Yes. Martin’s got a big fight in May, and if he comes through that, then he’s right back in the mix. It’s interesting to see what will happen with the heavyweight division now because everybody wants to fight each other, everybody’s excited to fight each other and that’s perfect for Martin Bakole. If he gets a proper camp, we can see the best of him.”