Joshua could possibly be ‘ordered’ to face boxer who ‘dropped Usyk’ after Ngannou battle

Jan 08, 2024 at 7:21 PM
Joshua could possibly be ‘ordered’ to face boxer who ‘dropped Usyk’ after Ngannou battle

could possibly be ordered to face Martin Bakole in a WBA last eliminator bout after his crossover conflict with Francis Ngannou in March. Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom, who represents Bakole, claims the most important sanctioning physique could order a last eliminator between their No 1 ranked fighter (Bakole) and No 2 ranked fighter (Joshua) after and sq. off for the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles on February 17.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Shalom stated: “The WBA may order a final eliminator and we are waiting on direction from them. The aim for Martin is to fight early in the year and continue his impressive run. I’m looking forward to seeing him fully fit, when he will look even more devastating.

“Of course Anthony Joshua is No 2 [in the WBA rankings] and so it might make sense that the battle can be ordered – and Martin can be prepared. Martin stays essentially the most averted heavyweight on this planet and his latest performances have solely added to that.

“We’re looking forward to a big year for Martin, who will inevitably fight for world titles in the not-so-distant future.” Joshua is anticipated to face Filip Hrgovic for the soon-to-be vacated IBF strap in some unspecified time in the future in 2024 so a WBA last eliminator with Bakole appears unlikely at this stage.

If Joshua does move up the chance for a shot on the IBF world title then the supply shall be prolonged to the following fighter within the WBA rankings, No 3 rated Joseph Parker. Joshua and Bakole are very conversant in one another having sparred a number of rounds over time.

Bakole insists he has realized the best way to cease the Watford powerhouse throughout their time spent within the ring collectively and he would little question relish the chance to show his claims proper. The Congolese puncher just lately made headlines after affirming he dropped Usyk in sparring with a physique shot.

“First or second round I think and I stopped him, he took about one, two minutes and they start again, but from that day his coach told me not to spar, they just used dome other guys, for him to recover,” Bakole told Seconds Out.

“I wasn’t surprised, I’m too strong for Usyk, I know how to box a southpaw… It was a body shot. I stepped back and body shot.” Usyk’s camp have since come out and denied Bakole’s claims.