Boxing Rematch: “We like the Michael Hunter rematch, it makes sense,” promoter Ben Shalom said of Martin Bakole seeking vengeance against the American, who handed the Congolese heavyweight’s sole setback, a knockout loss in 2018.
According to Boxxer promoter Ben-Shalom, Martin Bakole is open to a rematch with Michael Hunter as he works towards a world heavyweight championship challenge.
In April, the 30-year-old improved to 19-1 with a third-round stoppage victory against Ihor Shevadzutskyi in Poland, his first fight since defeating Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka by majority decision in May 2022.
He is presently ranked second in the WBA rankings, behind Deontay Wilder, but the top contenders have had to wait until this week for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk to declare his next title defence against WBA ‘regular’ champion Daniel Dubois in Poland on August 26.
“It’s difficult when the other heavyweights aren’t fighting because it stalls the whole division,” Shalom said to Sky Sports.
“It’s difficult when you’re No. 2 in the governing body and you look up and No. 1 isn’t fighting, and the champion isn’t fighting, and the regular champion isn’t fighting.
“We like the Michael Hunter rematch, it makes sense.”
Hunter has not fought since a split decision draw with Jerry Forrest in December 2021. He was slated to fight Hughie Fury last summer until the fight was cancelled.
Bakole has won eight consecutive fights since the American stopped him in the 10th round in October of 2018.
“Joseph Parker is another good fight for him while he waits for the heavyweight champions to move,” Shalom said.
“We can’t move unless they’re going to fight.
“I wish the governing bodies went ‘bang’ more often, but obviously there’s a lot of money involved.
“I know Michael Hunter wants that fight; I like Michael and would love to give him that chance.
“We’ll sit down with Martin and discuss a final eliminator for the WBA title, and we’ll see what happens.”
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