Martin Bakole is one of the most feared fighters of heavyweight boxing today. The gigantic power-puncher is aiming to work his way towards a world title with his stopping ability.
Although Bakole suffered a loss to Joseph Parker while attempting to capitalise on a short-notice opportunity, he is still considered a top contender in the division.
As one of the heaviest contenders in the division of all time, Bakole’s size is the foundation for his brutal knockout power.
Currently with a record of 21-2, Parker was just the second man to get the better of Bakole. With his first loss coming in 2018, he was able to bounce back in a big way.
Martin Bakole bounced back from first career loss with KO over Mariusz Wach
Bakole suffered the first professional defeat of his career in London in October 2018. Taking on Michael Hunter, Bakole could not extend his winning streak to 12.
Hunter would stop Bakole in a bout that would see the fighter from the Democratic Republic of the Congo suffer a shoulder injury.
Returning six months later, Bakole would be able to pick up his form once again.
Looking to get back in the win column, Bakole was paired with Polish veteran Mariusz Wach. At the time of the bout, Wach had a professional record of 33-4. Notable names on the fighter’s resume included Wladimir Klitschko, Jarrell Miller, and Alexander Povetkin.
The test against the experienced fighter was evidently hard for Bakole. After seven completed rounds, the judges’ scorecards were very close.
However, in round eight, Bakole began to find more success with his punches, landing with volume. As Wach was not effectively defending, the referee intervened to call off the fight.
There were just over 30 seconds left in the round as Bakole returned to winning ways.
Wach would go on to add other notable names such as Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury to his resume. As well as this, Moses Itauma dealt Wach a second-round TKO loss in 2024.
Martin Bakole went on a 10-fight winning streak following first loss
Bakole’s win over Wach would be his first of 10 in a row, as he began a good run of form.
Within this stretch of wins, Bakole was able to add eight finishes to his record. The only fighters able to withstand the stopping force of Bakole were Tony Yoka (11-0) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1).
The 10th win of Bakole’s run was an impressive fifth-round knockout of Jared Anderson. Fighting in Los Angeles, Bakole had a career-best performance against the American, who held a 17-0 record.
The win would lead to Bakole calling out Anthony Joshua on numerous occasions. However, he accepted a late-notice fight against Parker instead.
Bakole will look to bounce back from his Parker loss against Efe Ajagba on May 3rd, 2025, in Saudi Arabia.