Boxing Live: Martin Bakole says he would not be concerned about an explosive fight with the powerful Chinese heavyweight and thinks Joe Joyce made a “huge mistake” in his shocking loss to Zhilei Zhang.
This Saturday, the 29-year-old returns to the ring in Poland for the first time since defeating Tony Yoka in May 2022, taking on Ihor “Hulk” Shevadzutskyi. He thinks this will be the latest step towards a confrontation with one of the division’s leading figures.
Bakole, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has made no secret of his desire to challenge WBA regular champion Daniel Dubois, but he now claims he wouldn’t hesitate to fight Zhang.
He replied to Sky Sports, “100%. w Without even thinking, I would answer yes.”
He continued, praising Zhang’s victory over Joyce as “incredible”. “Even though Joe Joyce was stopped, many still found that to be enjoyable. Although it was unexpected, boxing is what happened.
“You may make mistakes, and Joe Joyce made one by standing in front of Big Zhang. I believe they may not have taken it seriously. He receives what he is due.”
Bakole, who asserts that he has defeated Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk in practice matches, stressed that he would steer clear of the difficulties Joyce encountered against the southpaw at the Copper Box.
“I’ve never sparred with him or met him before, but all I know is that I learnt to box from my brother (Ilunga Makabu), who is a southpaw. Usyk understands what I’m talking about here, and they’re not difficult to work out or stop, so I’ll stop the man,” he declared. I’ll treat him harshly.
Although Joyce may have been a sought-after rival in the past, Bakole claims he is now considering opponents other than the Olympic silver medalist.
When asked if he was considering going up against Joyce, he responded, “Not now. I’d need to lose the battle (on Saturday). I brought up his name a few times, but he never responded to confirm since he is aware of what transpired during a few of the sparring sessions.
“I cut off his head, but I had 20-ounce gloves on; try wearing 10-ounce gloves. I just want to wish him the best considering what’s happened to his eyes and hope his eyes don’t have any issues so he can return sooner.
“Like Dubois, who took his time, recovered, and then returned, I believe he should take some time to correct his error.
“After this coming Saturday, I’m searching for a big name. He didn’t say yes before, so I don’t think he will now either.”
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