In a bold and fiery statement that has sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division, Congolese powerhouse Martin Bakole has declared war on former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua. With his eyes locked on a future title shot, Bakole is not just calling out names — he’s making promises.

“I’ll crush him in the ring, just watch!” Bakole told reporters. “I’ve been sparring world champions, beating top contenders in camps — now I want Joshua. I want to knock him out.”

A Rising Threat in the Heavyweight Ranks

Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) has steadily risen through the ranks with a blend of raw strength, grit, and improving technique. Since his lone defeat to Michael Hunter in 2018, Bakole has been on a mission of redemption, racking up a string of convincing victories over respected opponents, including Tony Yoka and Carlos Takam.

With each performance, he has looked sharper, more composed, and increasingly dangerous. His last outing — a dominant win over Takam — showcased his ability to handle veterans and control the ring with confidence. Now, Bakole is setting his sights higher than ever before.

“I’ve paid my dues,” Bakole insisted. “I’ve stayed quiet, put in the work, and now I’m ready for the big names. Anthony Joshua is a good fighter, but I’m better. I’ll prove it.”

A Message to Joshua: “Don’t Duck Me”

Bakole’s challenge to Anthony Joshua comes at a time when the British star is plotting his return to world title contention. After reclaiming momentum with back-to-back wins in 2023, Joshua is believed to be eyeing a major bout later this year — possibly against the likes of Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, or even Filip Hrgović.

But Bakole believes he deserves a shot — and he’s not afraid to make noise to get it.

“Joshua says he’s not afraid of anyone. So why not fight me?” he questioned. “I’ll bring the heat, I’ll bring the war. Let’s see what he’s really made of when someone who’s not afraid of him steps in there.”

Bakole’s confidence is rooted in years of high-level sparring. Reports suggest he has given top heavyweights all they can handle in training camps, including Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Many insiders claim Bakole is the division’s best-kept secret — but the Congolese contender is tired of hiding in the shadows.

Joshua’s Camp Yet to Respond

As of now, Team Joshua has yet to respond to Bakole’s challenge. The former unified champion remains a central figure in the division, and any fight involving his name generates massive attention. Whether he takes Bakole’s callout seriously remains to be seen.

Boxing analyst Paul Smith weighed in on the possibility:

“Bakole is dangerous — make no mistake,” Smith said. “He’s strong, confident, and on a good streak. But Joshua’s team is probably looking at bigger commercial fights. Still, if AJ wants to silence the doubters and show he’s ready for anyone, taking on Bakole would be a huge statement.”

A Dangerous Matchup for AJ?

Stylistically, a fight between Joshua and Bakole could be fireworks. Bakole brings constant pressure, heavy hands, and underrated boxing fundamentals. He thrives in mid-range exchanges and isn’t afraid to trade shots. Joshua, while more polished and experienced at the elite level, has shown vulnerabilities under pressure — most notably against Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk.

Bakole believes he can exploit those weaknesses:

“When AJ gets hit, he changes. I’ve seen it. He’s not comfortable when someone keeps coming,” Bakole explained. “I’ll stay on him, hit him to the body, break him down. I’ll knock him out — not maybe, not hope — I will.”

The Heavyweight Division Heats Up

With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk recently clashing for undisputed status, and fighters like Wilder, Zhang, Joyce, and Hrgović all hungry for glory, the heavyweight division is as competitive and exciting as it’s been in years. Martin Bakole’s callout adds more fuel to the fire.

Whether Anthony Joshua answers the challenge or not, Bakole’s message is loud and clear: he’s coming, and he’s not just chasing belts — he’s chasing blood.

“This is my time. No more waiting. I’m coming for everyone — and Joshua is first on the list.”

If that fight ever happens, fans can expect a war — one with heavy leather, brutal exchanges, and high stakes. Bakole has spoken. Now the ball is in Joshua’s court.