Martin Bakole is certain that a heavyweight title will be around his waist in 2025.
It’s the reason he was so determined to next fight in an IBF title eliminator. The opponent search wasn't easy but Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) found a willing foe in Efe Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) with the two due to meet on an early spring date to be determined.
The winner will become the mandatory challenger to IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), who next defends against former WBO beltholder Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“I want everybody. I want anyone,” Bakole bluntly told IFL TV while on hand for The Ring's year-end awards ceremony in London. “This time, after I beat Ajagba I want the winner of Dubois and Parker because I’m fighting for the IBF.”
All four boxers involved are in The Ring’s top ten. Dubois and Parker are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Bakole is the No. 6 contender, a resurgent Ajagba is No. 10.
Bakole has won ten in a row since a 2018 stoppage defeat to Michael Hunter II.
The most impressive feat among that run was a one-sided beatdown of then-undefeated Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs at the time) last Aug. 3 in Los Angeles. It took place on Riyadh Season’s U.S. launch show, his second straight appearance on an event funded by Turki Alalshikh and his group.
Dubois and Parker are also Riyadh Season regulars, and their bout is set to appear on the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol II show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The alliance leaves Bakole confident of working his way to the top of the queue as long as he can conquer Ajagba.
“I can’t wait,” stated Bakole. “I’m looking forward to stopping [Ajagba] and going for the world title.”
Jake Donovan is part of the U.S. team for The Ring. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.