Martin Bakole has claimed that he is a promotional free agent and that Boxxer’s Ben Shalom is attempting to hold up his career – which Boxxer have in turn denied.
Bakole, the heavyweight from Congo who resides in Scotland, signed a long-term promotional agreement with Boxxer in February 2023.
He proceeded to record his most impressive win and performance against the highly touted Jared Anderson in August 2024. He then took on Joseph Parker four months later at late notice following Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal. Bakole travelled from Congo to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in bad shape and was knocked out by Parker inside two rounds. He then returned in May 2025 against Efe Ajagba and was held to a draw after turning up overweight again.
He thereafter retained a low profile until Italy’s Guido Vianello claimed that he had turned down a bout with him. Vianello had said that all was agreed for them to fight on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt, but Bakole decided to “pull out at the last hour without any explanation”.
Vianello’s statement led to Bakole, 34, breaking his silence, and he posted on social media: “For everybody asking what is happening with me. I am ready to fight anytime but one man is trying to ruin my career: Ben Shalom. I don’t understand why he is doing it. He has been earning money from me for years and years and has kept me tied up in a contract. My lawyer has confirmed that my contract with him is finished.
“I try to move on and he sends crazy emails to everyone blocking me from fighting and earning a living. He is trying to scare me saying he will sue everyone if I fight and don’t pay him. I fight to provide for my family, not for Ben Shalom. He is not my promoter. I am ready to fight but I will not pay that man another cent.”
Bakole’s words then brought a response from the promotional organisation, who claimed that the heavyweight’s inactivity owes to Bakole being in poor condition.
“Boxxer would like to respond to recent public comments made by Martin Bakole,” read a statement. “Martin Bakole remains under contract with Boxxer. Throughout our promotional agreement, we have enjoyed a good relationship delivering major fights and securing career-high purses for him. We continue to work to secure the best possible opportunities for Martin, including a number of high-profile fights over the past 12 months, which he has either been unavailable for or declined.
“It is therefore disappointing to see these claims made publicly and as a result of third-party interference intended to cause damage. Boxxer remains fully committed to getting Martin back in the ring when he is next available to compete at the highest level.”
