“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,” Bakole said Wednesday on social media.

“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.”

Boxxer issued a statement in response to Bakole.

"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.”

Bakole issued a response to Boxxer’s statement.

“I want to make one thing very clear: I have always respected every team I’ve worked with, and I remain focused on my career, my future, and fighting at the highest level.

“My only priority has always been to stay active, take the biggest opportunities available, and give the fans the fights they want to see. I won’t go back and forth in public or get distracted by statements. My energy is on getting in the ring, proving myself, and becoming world champion.

"I appreciate everyone who supports me. The truth will always show itself through actions, not words. I’m ready for the next challenge. Let’s make the big fights happen.”

Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs), a 34-year-old from Congo who is based in Scotland, hasn’t fought since last May, when he settled for a 10-round majority draw against Efe Ajagba. Three months prior, Bakole had stepped in as a fight-week replacement for the ill Daniel Dubois and was stopped by Joseph Parker in two rounds.

Bakole, ranked No. 6 by The Ring, was riding a wave of momentum before his last two matchups with a fifth-round demolition of the previously unbeaten Jared Anderson in August 2024.