Anthony Joshua’s camp has dismissed reports of a planned fight with Martin Bakole in Africa, saying no discussions have taken place. The rumors started after Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, claimed the fight was confirmed for Congo. However, boxing journalist Gareth A. Davis stated that Joshua’s team has had no talks about the bout.
Joshua, who has been inactive since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year, was initially eyeing a fight with Tyson Fury, but those plans fell apart after Fury’s retirement. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith says Joshua is expected to return to the ring by summer, with several options being explored.
Meanwhile, Bakole is preparing for a key IBF eliminator fight against Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba. While a Joshua-Bakole clash would be huge for African boxing, no official plans exist yet.