Trainer Billy Nelson claims Martin Bakole is a formidable opponent for Tyson Fury and could pose a challenge to the heavyweight champion.
Martin Bakole Could Be Tyson Fury’s Next Opponent, Promoters Suggest
Promoters of the heavyweight boxer Martin Bakole have suggested that he would be the perfect next opponent for Tyson Fury. While it is natural for Bakole’s team to make such claims, Bob Arum, who co-promotes with Fury, has also listed Bakole as a potential contender along with Agit Kabayel.
The trainer of Bakole, Billy Nelson, believes that his fighter could give Fury a harder fight than any other and suggests that because of his commercial value, they may be able to secure the match for less money than others. “Tyson Fury’s such a big star people just want to see him in good fights,” says Ben Shalom who promotes BOXXER. “There’s not many fights or fighters out there that can challenge Tyson Fury and Martin Bakole is definitely one of them.”
Bakole has previously sparred with Tyson Fury which gives Nelson confidence in their ability saying: “Jarrell Miller, Joe Parker were all in camp at that time and David Adeleye and Martin was mile better than anybody else and Tyson knew that; he appreciated that.”
After negotiations broke down earlier this year regarding an undisputed heavyweight title clash with Oleksandr Usyk, 2023 still sees no scheduled fight date or opponent yet arranged for Fury.
A Test For Greatness
Nelson argues without a contest against Usyk lined up then fighting someone like Bakole is essential if great champions are expected to take on leading contenders. “Lennox Lewis done it,” explains Nelson. “Marvin Hagler done it; they all fought the best -that’s how they got legendary status- you can’t say one thing and act another”
Shalom also agrees that boxing fans would be excited about Bakole facing Tyson Fury. “We talk about the top boys not taking tough tests, that would be a tough test for Tyson Fury and I think he would know that. It’s a good fight!”
Nelson continues to suggest that while Wilder was a notable win for Fury there have been few other significant names on his resume: “The only names on the resume [in recent years] are Wilder and a washed-up Whyte, really -that’s about it.”
“I question his resume,” Nelson adds, “it’s nothing like Lennox Lewis is it? You can’t call yourself the best fighter of your generation if you’ve not fought the best.”