Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole has launched a blistering attack on Anthony Joshua, vowing to knock him out after dealing with Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in their upcoming International Boxing Federation title eliminator.
The 6ft 6ins heavyweight was responding to Joshua’s recent backing of Ajagba to win their eliminator bout, which will determine the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
Joshua, who is currently visiting family in Nigeria, had earlier backed his fellow Nigerian to triumph.
This support particularly irked Bakole, who referenced Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs), who demolished American prospect Jared Anderson last August, will face Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) after February following the bout’s removal from the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card.
Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti confirmed the new arrangement for the highly anticipated clash.
The IBF currently ranks Bakole third and Ajagba fifth, with the top two spots vacant.
Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez, who outpointed Ajagba in 2021, occupies the fourth pos
