Martin Bakole expresses regret over Frank Warren's fight proposal involving Moses Itauma.
Martin Bakole Criticizes Frank Warren for Pairing Him with Moses Itauma
Martin Bakole, a top-tier heavyweight contender, has expressed his disapproval over Frank Warren's intention to pit him against the undefeated Moses Itauma. Warren recently stated his readiness to arrange a match between the two this year, following Itauma's impressive second-round knockout of former NFL linebacker Mike Balogun on Saturday night in Glasgow.
Itauma, a 20-year-old sensation from Chatham, improved to 12-0 with the win over Balogun. However, his handlers have faced difficulties finding opponents willing to take him the distance, which prompted Warren to consider world-level fights.
Bakole, ranked No.8 at heavyweight by Ring Magazine, believes Itauma is premature for a bout against him. Speaking to talkSPORT post-fight, Bakole said, "I know he has a big future ahead of him, but he has a long way to go. Having Martin Bakole's name in his mouth is a big mistake."
In an apparent rebuke, Bakole also noted that even Warren acknowledges their level discrepancy. "Even Frank Warren knows that I am not on his level to be honest," Bakole added. Nonetheless, he expressed openness to the proposed match, stating, "I'm open to it (fighting Itauma)."
Bakole's reluctance stems from recent setbacks that have dimmed his once daunting reputation in the heavyweight division. The Congolese powerhouse earned a top 10 ranking after a destructive stoppage win over Jared Anderson last August, but losses to Joseph Parker and Efe Ajagba, coupled with inadequate preparation, have left question marks over his readiness for a match with a rising star like Itauma.
Conversely, Itauma prefers to challenge Filip Hrgovic next, who recently defeated Joe Joyce. Itauma suggested that Bakole's recent struggles have made him a less appealing opponent, stating, "Martin Bakole, not so much, Filip Hrgovic, yes."
Warren's team and Bakole appear to have had ongoing disagreements, which might have contributed to the eventual abandoning of plans for a fight between Bakole and Itauma. Warren declared himself "sick to death of Bakole" in a social media video, alluding to the contentious nature of negotiations.
Bakole's preference in the ring seems to lean towards other opponents, as he suggested Filip Hrgovic as a more appealing challenge compared to Itauma. This comes after Itauma expressed his desire to face Joe Joyce's conqueror, Filip Hrgovic, instead of Bakole. Despite these contrasting opinions, Bakole remains open to the possibility of a match against Itauma. Meanwhile, the world of boxing doesn't exclude other sports; Martin Bakole, a heavyweight contender, was once a top NFL linebacker prospect before pursuing his career in sports like football, boxing, NBA, NFL, F1, and several others.
