Martin Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, has sensationally revealed that Efe Ajagba is no match for his trainee, revealing that American Jared Anderson, whom Bakole knocked out in five rounds, is a more formidable opponent than the Nigerian. He also insists that Ajagba is not a world-class fighter.
Both fighters are set to clash in the IBF heavyweight title eliminator in May in the United States, with the winner of the fight earning the right to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title.
Bakole (22-21-1) has won 10 straight fights since his only loss to Michael Hunter in 2018 via a 10th-round knockout. Speaking ahead of the fight, Billy Nelson says although Ajagba is a quality boxer, he feels Anderson, whom Bakole knocked out late last year, is a more formidable fighter.
“He (Ajagba) is a big and tall guy, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near as strong as Martin,” Nelson said of Ajagba, 20-1 (14). “He has a dubious chin which will be tested to the full with Martin.
“I think he’s got a decent jab if you let him get into a rhythm, which we won’t, and he’s a good all-round fighter. He’s just not world-class. Anderson would stop Ajagba. Anderson is a very good fighter. But Martin Bakole is an exceptionally good fighter. People will see that, and change their minds, when he wins a world title. I know what it takes to win a world title and this boy is the best fighter I have ever trained.”
Nelson believes that Bakole has all it takes to win a world title and his belief in the Congolese pugilist have also been confirmed by world champions in the sport.
“He’s too experienced; too clever. The people who tell you how good Martin is all know what he is capable of. Go and ask Tyson Fury. Go and ask Anthony Joshua. Go and ask Oleksandr Usyk. The three of them will tell you he’s a brilliant fighter.
“Anthony Joshua is a great guy, a lovely guy, and he told me years ago, ‘He’s going to win a world title.’ Peter Fury said the same to me; as did Martin Bowers. People whose opinion I value have been saying these things since the start. They have always known he was special. Even Don Charles, back when Martin sparred Derek Chisora, said he is ‘magnifique’. That was his word.”
