The year 2025 was not a good one for Martin Bakole’s reputation as the heavyweight division’s ‘bogeyman’.

Having crushed the highly-touted Jared Anderson inside five brutal rounds at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles in August 2024, the stage was set for him to make a splash last year.

However he was knocked out by Joseph Parker in the second round of their February encounter after replacing Daniel Dubois at the last minute. Then, three months later, an out of shape Bakole laboured to a 10-round draw in his all-African derby against Efe Ajagba.

He has not boxed since that night at ANB Arena, Riyadh but frustrated promoter Ben Shalom is now plotting the DR Congo native’s route back to the ring.

“We are still working with Martin Bakole,” said the Boxxer founder. “He’s got him and [trainer] Billy Nelson there and they will decide on what’s next for him.

“But it has been frustrating for us … there was Parker and Efe Ajagba, [then] we were offered Filip Hrgovic in August and had the opportunity to fight Moses Itauma. Martin will fight anyone but the people around him have to accept the fights as well.

“It’s frustrating because I do believe he has the talent to be the best heavyweight in the world but has he prepared in the best way he could for his last couple of fights? No. But hopefully we will have news on him soon.”

Despite failing to register a win in either of his outings in 2025, Bakole is still No. 6 in The Ring’s heavyweight rankings while he sits No. 3 with the WBA, No. 5 with the IBF and No. 7 with the WBC.

And when asked who he would like Bakole to fight next, Shalom said: “Anyone. I would have liked the Moses fight because I think he can beat Moses. I think he can beat anyone on his day with a proper camp and being fit.

“That’s why it’s frustrating in that sense but I think that division is something that we’re looking at in a big way. So yeah, hopefully we can give news on Martin very soon.”