Britain’s Next Top Heavyweight? Meet Martin Bakole Ilunga

Top Scottish coach Billy Nelson knows his boxing and is convinced that within 18 months, Britain will have another world-class heavyweight.

He’s talking about Martin Bakole Ilunga – and no, he doesn’t sound very British.

He isn’t British. Yet.

Bakole was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fought out of South Africa and now finds himself in Scotland after a spell in Preston.

Martin Bakole Ilunga being worked hard this evening now it's @hughiefury turn!! @JRgymPreston @peterfury #teamfury #TeamMGM 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/xnhhxnAE2O

— Team Fury (@teamfuryoffical) September 20, 2016

Nelson hopes the 25 year old will gain his British citizenship early next year – and then start chasing big names.

“I believe there are only two people in Britain who can give Martin a fight and they are Joshua and Tyson Fury,” said Nelson, who says Bakole only had 17 amateur bouts.

“I think he beats everyone else.

“We did 50 rounds with Anthony Joshua (before the Carlos Takam fight) and you don’t keep getting invited back for sparring unless you are being competitive.