Number 1 Ranked Heavyweight Vows To ‘Punish’ Anthony Joshua And KO Him In 5 Rounds

Anthony Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, is on the cusp of reclaiming a world title for the third time in his career. After a series of setbacks that saw him lose his titles to Oleksandr Usyk and fail to reclaim them in their rematch, Joshua has embarked on a new chapter in his career. He has teamed up with renowned trainer Ben Davison, and the results have been promising. Joshua has displayed a renewed vigor and sharpness in his recent bouts, securing dominant victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou, both by stoppage.

Joshua’s next challenge is set for September 21, where he will face Daniel Dubois, the newly crowned IBF Champion. A victory in this bout would position Joshua for a potential clash with the winner of the anticipated rematch between Usyk and Tyson Fury. However, should Joshua secure the title and look to remain active, he will find a host of formidable contenders eager to step into the ring with him.

One of these contenders is Martin Bakole, who has long been considered a serious threat in the heavyweight division. Bakole, a fighter with a reputation for raw power and resilience, has recently made headlines with a standout performance that significantly elevated his profile. He delivered a sensational knockout victory over American prospect Jared Anderson, who was widely regarded as a future world champion. This win not only earned Bakole recognition from American fans but also introduced him to a broader UK audience, shifting the focus from just his sparring anecdotes to his impressive in-ring achievements.

Bakole has since called out Joshua for a fight, proposing an intriguing matchup to take place in Africa, reminiscent of the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. In a recent interview with BOXXER, Bakole expressed his confidence in a potential bout with Joshua. He stated, “Anthony Joshua – knockout, round four or five … This year I’m coming to knock them out. Stop them or punish them.” Bakole’s bold proclamation underscores his belief in his own abilities and his readiness to face Joshua on a grand stage.

There is considerable interest in seeing Bakole take on top-tier opponents, and the buzz around this potential matchup with Joshua reflects that excitement. However, Joshua remains focused on his immediate task of overcoming Dubois and, potentially, securing a rematch with Usyk. Should Joshua succeed in his upcoming fights, a bout with Bakole could be an enticing proposition for fans and an important step for both fighters.

In addition to the potential Joshua fight, Bakole’s future in the heavyweight division might see him face another notable contender. There has been speculation about Bakole possibly fighting Zhilei Zhang, another heavyweight with significant power. Turki Alalshikh of Riyadh Season has expressed interest in organizing this bout, which could take place in Africa or China. Such a matchup would not only be an exciting contest but also a significant event in the global boxing landscape.

As Joshua prepares for his bout with Dubois and Bakole continues to assert his dominance and seek high-profile fights, the heavyweight division remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. Fans can look forward to a series of thrilling bouts as these fighters carve out their paths in the sport, each with their own ambitions and aspirations.