Anthony Joshua faces a fierce challenge from Martin Bakole: “I will take him down.”

Anthony Joshua, one of boxing’s biggest global stars, finds himself in the crosshairs of a new challenger—Martin Bakole, the hard-hitting Congolese heavyweight with bold ambitions and a growing profile in the sport. Bakole has publicly declared his intent to knock out Joshua, calling for a showdown between the two fighters in Africa. With both men sharing African roots, the proposal has sparked interest and stirred excitement across the boxing world.

But is Bakole ready for such a monumental fight? And is Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, still in prime condition to fend off such a threat? Let’s explore the brewing rivalry, what it means for the heavyweight division, and whether Bakole truly poses a serious threat to Joshua’s legacy.

Martin Bakole Wants Joshua in Africa

In a bold statement, Martin Bakole recently declared his desire to face Anthony Joshua in a historic bout on African soil. Speaking with conviction, Bakole revealed that the idea was not just his own—it was encouraged by His Excellency, referring to key African political figures keen on seeing such an iconic clash take place in the continent.

“Of course, for Africa. That’s not just my idea—it was His Excellency who requested that fight for Africa. Joshua is coming from Nigeria, I’m coming from Congo. We both want this fight in Africa. Joshua is still on my list,” Bakole stated.

With deep roots in Nigeria and Congo, both fighters share an ancestral connection to the continent, adding cultural and emotional significance to this potential bout.

Bakole’s Message: “Joshua Is Finished”

Never one to shy away from provocative declarations, Bakole didn’t stop at simply calling for the fight—he made his intentions crystal clear.

“For me, I think he’s finished already. I will knock him out, I think so.”

Bakole’s confidence, while brash, has drawn attention. Though he has never faced anyone of Joshua’s caliber in the ring, the Congolese slugger believes he has what it takes to bring an end to Joshua’s storied career.

But how credible is this challenge? To assess that, we must look at Bakole’s background and recent performances.

Who Is Martin Bakole?

Martin Bakole Ilunga, born in Kananga, Congo, has been steadily climbing the heavyweight ranks. Known for his power and size, Bakole has a professional record that includes notable wins over fighters like Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam, and Mariusz Wach.

His style is rugged and relentless, with an emphasis on body punches and forward pressure. However, questions about his conditioning and defensive skills have persisted, especially after his recent setbacks.

In February 2024, Bakole was knocked out by Joseph Parker in a brutal TKO loss, and just months later, he fought to a controversial draw against Efe Ajagba, a fight many believed he narrowly escaped losing.

Despite these mixed results, Bakole has remained in conversations for bigger fights, largely due to his willingness to face any opponent and his ties to influential backers in African boxing circles.

Anthony Joshua: Still a Contender or a Name from the Past?

After his meteoric rise from Olympic gold medalist to unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua became a global boxing icon. His string of knockouts, imposing physique, and charismatic personality made him a crossover star.

Joshua’s resume includes wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, and Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch. But his aura of invincibility took a hit in recent years following losses to Ruiz, Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and questions about his mental fortitude and tactical approach.

At 34 years old, Joshua remains a top contender, but many wonder if his best days are behind him. He’s still ranked highly by sanctioning bodies and has rebounded with wins over Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin, but doubts persist about his ability to reclaim a heavyweight crown.

A Showdown in Africa: History in the Making?

The idea of staging Joshua vs Bakole in Africa evokes memories of the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle”—the 1974 clash between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire (now DR Congo). That event wasn’t just a boxing match; it was a global cultural milestone that united Africa in pride and celebration.

Bakole and Joshua fighting in Africa could carry similar symbolic weight, especially with both fighters representing two of the continent’s largest nations. A match in Lagos, Abuja, or Kinshasa could draw massive crowds and serve as a powerful unifying event, showcasing African strength and sportsmanship to the world.

Is Bakole a Legitimate Threat to Joshua?

Despite his confidence, Bakole’s record and recent performances raise questions about his ability to actually defeat someone like Joshua. While he has notable wins, he has also shown vulnerabilities, especially when stepping up in competition.

Joshua, even in decline, boasts far superior experience, a cleaner skill set, and significantly better footwork and defense. His ability to control distance with the jab, combined with explosive uppercuts and counters, makes him a tough puzzle to solve.

If Bakole is to stand a chance, he must apply constant pressure, cut off the ring, and target Joshua’s body—areas where Joshua has shown susceptibility. But if he can’t hurt Joshua early, it’s likely that the Brit will pick him apart with discipline and range control.

What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua has a number of options ahead of him. A fight with Deontay Wilder has long been rumored, though negotiations have fallen through multiple times. There’s also the possibility of a trilogy with Andy Ruiz Jr., or even a shot at the winner of Fury vs Usyk II, assuming the politics of boxing align.

But if the Bakole fight materializes, it may be a strategic move—an opportunity to remain active, rebuild confidence, and take part in a culturally significant event that would elevate both fighters’ profiles globally.

Moses Itauma: A Wild Card in the Mix

Another emerging storyline is Moses Itauma, the teenage phenom from the UK who recently delivered a devastating knockout win. Itauma’s team has reportedly considered Martin Bakole as a next potential opponent, which could complicate Bakole’s pursuit of Joshua.

If Bakole takes the Itauma fight and loses, the chance to face Joshua likely vanishes. However, if he wins convincingly, it could strengthen his case for a mega-fight and cement his standing as a top-five contender.

Final Thoughts: Is This Fight Worth Making?

From a competitive standpoint, Joshua vs Bakole is not a mega-clash between top-tier contenders. But from a cultural, historical, and promotional angle, it could be a fascinating spectacle.

Anthony Joshua needs the right fights to stay relevant and earn big paydays without risking everything. Martin Bakole, on the other hand, sees this as the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to go from fringe contender to national hero.

Whether the fight happens will depend on negotiations, schedules, and the fighters’ decisions in the coming months. But one thing is certain: Africa is watching, and a bout between two of its proudest boxing sons would be nothing short of historic.