Martin Bakole is no stranger to stepping up when others won’t with his latest challenge being no exception.
After Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness, Bakole has agreed to fight former world champion Joseph Parker on just two days’ notice.
The Congolese heavyweight is coming into the fight without a training camp and tipped the scales at 315 pounds – just under 23 stone – when he did an exclusive weigh-in with Mail Sport on Friday night, making this an unusual but potentially dangerous matchup for Parker.
Despite the lack of preparation, Bakole is widely considered one of the most avoided fighters in the division. His size, power, and relentless style have made top contenders think twice before sharing the ring with him.
Now, with nothing to lose and everything to gain, Bakole has the chance to shake up the heavyweight scene in what could be a high-risk bout for Parker.
But, who is the 31-year-old looking to rip up the script? Mail Sport take a closer look at the man stepping in to seize his moment.
After Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness, Martin Bakole has agreed to fight former world champion Joseph Parker on just two days’ notice
The Congolese heavyweight is coming into the fight without a training camp and weighing around 23 stone
Professional career
Martin Bakole Ilunga, born on June 1, 1993, in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is known for his formidable presence in the ring.
Standing at 6ft 6in, Bakole has established himself as one of the most feared men in the division.
Turning professional in 2014, Bakole quickly made a name for himself with a series of impressive victories.
Despite a setback in 2018, where he suffered his first professional loss to Michael Hunter, Bakole demonstrated resilience by embarking on a ten-fight winning streak.
This streak includes notable wins over heavyweights such as Mariusz Wach, Kevin Johnson, and a significant victory against Tony Yoka in May 2022.
In August 2024, Bakole further solidified his reputation by defeating the previously unbeaten American prospect Jared Anderson. He secured a knockout in the fifth round, a performance that elevated his standing in the heavyweight rankings.
Known for his power, Bakole has often been labelled as one of the most avoided fighters in the heavyweight division. His willingness to face top-tier opponents on short notice highlights his readiness to compete at the highest level.
As of February 2025, Bakole holds a professional record of 21 wins and one loss, with 16 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Royal roots and family influence
Hailing from a distinguished family, Bakole’s father serves as the King of the Kananga province in DR Congo. This royal heritage instilled a sense of responsibility in him from a young age given he is seen as a prince.
His older brother, Ilunga Makabu, is a renowned boxer who held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2020 to 2023.
Makabu’s success significantly influenced Martin’s decision to pursue a career in boxing, with the brothers often training together during their formative years.
Standing at 6ft 6in, Bakole has established himself as one of the most feared men in the division
Sparring sessions with elite fighters
Bakole’s reputation extends beyond official bouts; his sparring sessions with top-tier heavyweights have become the stuff of legend.
Notably, he has sparred with Anthony Joshua, where he reportedly landed a powerful left hook that ‘shook his head and legs,’ leaving a lasting impression on those present.
Additionally, Bakole claims to have knocked out Oleksandr Usyk during a sparring session.
He told Sky Sports: ‘Even Usyk, I don’t think he’d say yes (to fighting me) because I stopped him in Dubai in sparring. He knows how good I am. I don’t know if he’ll say yes again to fight me as well.I am telling the truth.’
However, Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, refuted this claim. ‘Bakole is a great kid,’ Krassyuk said. ‘He was Usyk’s best sparring partner within last three training camps. But I heard him stopping Usyk just once, and he stopped him from knocking Bakole out.’
As a result of the sparring stories, Bakole has been labeled as the ‘most avoided heavyweight’ in the division.
Many top fighters and promoters are reluctant to face him, possibly due to the high risk he presents without the lure of significant financial reward.
Shalom has been vocal about this avoidance, emphasising Bakole’s readiness to take on any top contender.
Martin Bakole punches Carlos Takam during their heavyweight fight in October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A Passion for Dance
Outside the ring, Bakole has a surprising passion: dancing.
He often incorporates dance into his training sessions, with a clip of the 31-year-old moving his hips going viral on social media. Bakole once joked his dancing was improving his footwork and agility.
Despite this, Bakole is not known for being particularly light on his feet when he gets in the ring.
Instead, he often looks to hunt down his opponent with his front-foot pressure, backing them into corners before unloading with heavy punches.
It is a strategy that has worked for him for most of his career, and he will likely deploy the same tactics against Parker.
Connections with Anthony Joshua
Bakole’s connection with Anthony Joshua extends beyond their sparring sessions, as discussions have emerged about a potential high-profile bout between the two heavyweights.
Bakole, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua, aiming to bring a marquee boxing event to Africa.
This ambition aligns with sentiments expressed by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who has shown interest in facilitating a showdown between Bakole and Joshua on African soil.
Bakole’s promoter, Shalom, has also indicated that negotiations are underway, suggesting that a fight in the Congo is a tangible possibility.
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearm told Mail Sport he would be open to arranging the African fight as one of AJ’s last bouts before he retires.
Training in Scotland
Martin Bakole trains in Scotland under the guidance of highly respected coach Billy Nelson. Based in Airdrie, Nelson has played a crucial role in refining Bakole skillset and enhancing his reputation as one of the most feared men in the division.
The partnership between Bakole and Nelson began in 2016 when Bakole travelled to the UK to support his brother, Makabu, during a fight.
During this visit, Bakole sparred with Nelson’s then-trainee, Stephen Simmons, at the Fighting Scots Gym in Glasgow. Impressed by Bakole’s raw talent, Nelson extended an open invitation for future collaboration, leading to the current trainer-fighter relationship.
