Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole – A Dangerous Fight No One Saw Coming

While the boxing world has been fixated on Anthony Joshua’s potential showdown with Tyson Fury, another name has suddenly entered the conversation: Martin Bakole. The Congolese heavyweight has been quietly making waves in the division, and rumors suggest that he could be Joshua’s next opponent.

This potential matchup has taken fans by surprise. Many expected Joshua to wait for a megafight against Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Instead, he may have to go through one of the most dangerous and underrated fighters in the division. Could this be a trap fight for Joshua?

Could Joshua Be Making a Mistake?

While a fight with Martin Bakole would be a great test, many believe Joshua should be focusing on bigger names.

• A fight with Tyson Fury would be the biggest event in British boxing history.
• A matchup with Deontay Wilder would bring fireworks and global attention.
• A rematch with Usyk could allow Joshua to reclaim the top spot in the division.

Taking on a high-risk low-reward opponent like Bakole might be a dangerous detour. If Joshua wins, it does little to boost his legacy, but if he loses, his path back to the top becomes even more complicated.

What a Loss to Bakole Could Mean for Joshua’s Career

For Joshua, every fight from this point forward is crucial. A loss to Martin Bakole would put his career in jeopardy for several reasons:

• It would drop his ranking significantly, making a title shot even harder to secure.
• It would give his doubters more reason to claim that he is no longer an elite heavyweight.
• It could force him into an unnecessary rematch or rebuilding phase, delaying any major fights with Fury or Wilder.

On the other hand, if Joshua dominates Bakole, he proves that he is still one of the best heavyweights in the world and is ready for the biggest fights in the division.

Bakole’s Motivation: A Career-Defining Opportunity

For Martin Bakole, this would be the biggest fight of his career. A win over Joshua would do the following:

• Skyrocketed his name in the heavyweight division, making him a top contender for world titles.
• Give him leverage to challenge for the WBC, WBA, or IBF belts.
• Earn him his biggest payday to date, putting him in the financial spotlight of the boxing world.

Unlike Joshua, Bakole has nothing to lose—which makes him an even more dangerous opponent. Fighters in this position often go all out, knowing that an upset victory could change their entire career.

What’s Next for Joshua After This Fight?

Assuming Joshua gets past Bakole, the next step would likely be a title eliminator or a fight with a top-ranked contender. Some possible matchups include:

• Tyson Fury: The long-awaited all-British showdown that boxing fans have been demanding.
• Deontay Wilder: A power-punching showdown that would be one of the most explosive fights in recent history.
• A rematch with Usyk: If Usyk remains the champion, Joshua might have to earn another shot at redemption.

If he loses to Bakole, however, it would force Joshua into a rebuilding phase that could take years to recover from.

Final Thoughts: A Dangerous Road Ahead for AJ

Anthony Joshua’s next fight will determine his future in the heavyweight division. Whether he faces Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Martin Bakole, one thing is clear: there is no easy path forward.

If Joshua chooses to fight Bakole, he must bring his absolute best or risk one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

For fans, one question remains: Will Joshua take this dangerous fight, or will he aim for the biggest names instead?

Who is Martin Bakole? The Hidden Threat in the Heavyweight Division

Despite not being a household name like Fury, Wilder, or Usyk, Martin Bakole has built an impressive resume that makes him a legitimate threat to any heavyweight.

• Standing at 6’6″ with an 80-inch reach, he has the physical attributes to compete with the biggest names in the division.
• Boasts a record of 20+ wins, with a high knockout percentage.
• Notable victories over Olympic champion Tony Yoka, Sergey Kuzmin, and Mariusz Wach.
• A relentless, pressure-fighting style that has troubled every opponent he has faced.

Bakole has been sparring with top heavyweights for years, including Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, and has earned a reputation as one of the best-kept secrets in boxing.

Why Joshua vs. Bakole is More Dangerous Than It Looks

Joshua has faced some of the biggest names in boxing, from Wladimir Klitschko to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk, but Martin Bakole presents a unique danger for several reasons:

• High-pressure fighting style: Bakole does not back down and constantly applies pressure, which could force Joshua into uncomfortable exchanges.
• Durability and chin: Bakole has taken shots from some of the hardest hitters in the sport and kept coming forward.
• Underestimated skills: Because he is not a mainstream name, Joshua’s team might overlook the level of talent Bakole possesses.

Could Joshua Be Making a Mistake?

While a fight with Martin Bakole would be a great test, many believe Joshua should be focusing on bigger names.

• A fight with Tyson Fury would be the biggest event in British boxing history.
• A matchup with Deontay Wilder would bring fireworks and global attention.
• A rematch with Usyk could allow Joshua to reclaim the top spot in the division.

Taking on a high-risk low-reward opponent like Bakole might be a dangerous detour. If Joshua wins, it does little to boost his legacy, but if he loses, his path back to the top becomes even more complicated.

The Impact on the Heavyweight Division

If Joshua takes the fight and dominates Bakole, it proves that he is still at the top of his game and deserves a shot at Fury or Usyk. However, if Bakole pulls off the upset, it would shake up the entire division.

• Bakole would become a serious contender for a world title.
• Joshua’s path to redemption would be derailed.
• The heavyweight division would have a new rising star.

For Joshua, this fight is high-risk, high-reward—and only time will tell whether he makes the right decision.

Final Thoughts: A Dangerous Road Ahead for AJ

Anthony Joshua’s next fight will determine his future in the heavyweight division. Whether he faces Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Martin Bakole, one thing is clear: there is no easy path forward.

If Joshua chooses to fight Bakole, he must bring his absolute best or risk one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

For fans, one question remains: Will Joshua take this dangerous fight, or will he aim for the biggest names instead?