Billy Nelson has long sung the praises of Martin Bakole, and now he’s insisting that the current world heavyweight champions want no part of his fighter.
Bakole is eager to test himself at the very top of the division after defeating Jared Anderson last year, but securing a major fight has proven to be problematic.
Bakole was in sensational form when halting Anderson and the fight was expected to be a platform for the Congolese star to push on and land a world title shot.
As it stands, Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois are the current rulers of the division, but Nelson isn't confident that Bakole will get a shot at either man.
The belt holders start the new year with plenty of options in front of them and for Dubois it’s a showdown with Joseph Parker on Feb 22, a fight that will be shown live on DAZN .
Usyk’s next move is still unconfirmed, but Nelson, Bakole’s biggest supporter, has had his say on the heavyweight champions.
“Usyk will not fight Martin, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Daniel vacated rather than fight Martin as well,” said Nelson when speaking to Seconds Out .
“They’ve been in the ring with each other before. Martin will stop Usyk, and he’ll obliterate Daniel Dubois.
“Martin wasn’t fully fit when he sparred Daniel, about 70% fit, and schooled him. Stopped him, made him quit and broke his nose. It’s fact. Martin’s already told people what happened. I was there. Barry McGuigan was there. I’m not telling lies.”
Members of Dubois’ team have played down Nelson’s version of events, but it’s clear that Bakole does deserve a huge opportunity in 2025 based on his recent form.
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