Boxing

Who is Martin Bakole? Fight record, stats, next bout and more

DAZN

Published by Gareth Jones

5, May 25

Martin Bakole's ambitions of a world title shot appear to be in limbo after he was held to a draw in his blockbuster heavyweight encounter with Efe Ajagba in Riyadh.

The Congolese fighter had been hoping to reboot his career as a genuine contender after the gamble of a last-gasp dance with Joseph Parker backfired in February.

In a close-fought contest however, the star played out a majority draw with his fellow African fighter, and now faces questions over whether he is close to his ceiling.

But just who is Martin Bakole? Here, DAZN News profiles the star, including his personal stats, fight history and professional record, as well as his next bout.

Who is Martin Bakole?

Martin Bakole is a Congolese boxer who fights primarily at heavyweight, and has long been touted as a potential spoiler to some of the division's most famous names.

Martin Bakole media workout_30042025 Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Born in 1993 in Kananga, in the country formerly known as Zaire, he turned professional in 2014 and fought domestically across Africa before moving to Scotland.

He has held continental and international minor titles across his career so far, but is yet to challenge for a world title proper, having fought for the WBO interim crown once.

Nationality: Congolese
Age: 31
Height: 6' 6"
Reach: 82"

What is Martin Bakole's record?

Martin Bakole has contested 24 fights as a professional to date, recording 21 wins, with 16 knockouts, two losses and one draw across the length of his career so far.

He has recorded statement victories against Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson, with knockout wins over the latter two in the first half of their respective bouts.

He suffered his biggest loss against Joseph Parker after stepping in at short notice for the ill Daniel Dubois in February, where he was stopped in the second round.

Total fights: 24
Wins: 21
Losses: 2
Draw: 1
Knockouts: 16

When is Martin Bakole's next fight?

Martin Bakole's next fight is currently undecided, but it appears likely a rematch with Efe Ajagba will loom before the end of the year after their majority draw encounter.

The Congolese star arguably came up short in a major test of his credentials, with one judge favouring his opponent, and he will be keen to make amneds as swiftly as possible.

Beyond that, with an undisputed bout between Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk set to at least briefly unite all four belts, Bakole will hope to move further up the rankings himself too.

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