The boogeyman moniker isn’t given to just anyone.
Martin Bakole, however, brutalized the competition, earning him that nickname.
His 2018 loss to Michael Hunter didn’t derail him in the slightest. Instead, Bakole went on a run, winning 10 straight. Recently though, his reputation took a hit.
On a last-second whim, Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) accepted a showdown against Joseph Parker. And while he claimed he would be ready to rock and roll, he ultimately wasn’t, losing via second-round stoppage.
Efe Ajagba, his upcoming opponent on Saturday night, isn’t holding that against Bakole. Still, he’s sick and tired of hearing so many praise him. Although the 33-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous men in the world, Ajagba doesn’t see it that way.
“He’s not dangerous,” Ajagba said to iFL TV. “I’m the dangerous one.”
Bakole isn’t the only one who knows how to bounce back. Following his lopsided loss to Frank Sanchez a few years ago, Ajagba regrouped and went to work.
The sweat and pain he put in behind closed doors have worked for him as he’s enjoying a five-fight win streak. But whether he’s putting opponents out with a left-right combination or scoring a decision, Ajagba feels left out.
The Ring’s No. 10 heavyweight has been a pro for nearly 10 years but hasn’t come close to fighting for a world title. Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) believes he hasn’t had enough eyeballs on him.
Saturday night, he’ll get plenty.
It doesn’t get much bigger than a Canelo Alvarez card, and with Ajagba snagging the co-main event slot he knows that he has the biggest opportunity of his life in front of him.
“Nobody knows who I am until Saturday night,” Ajagba said. “They will know who Efe Ajagba is.”