Deontay Wilder has developed a fearsome reputation as the sport’s biggest puncher, building a catalogue of knockouts since turning professional in 2008.
However, his aura has somewhat diminished in recent years after he was twice knocked out by Tyson Fury – and now there is another contender hoping to turn the tables on the American’s notorious power.
Martin Bakole, who hails from Congo, has been on a quiet run in the sport that has seen him manoeuvre his way to as high as number two in the WBA rankings.
Wins over Sergey Kuzmin, who defeated David Price in 2018, and former Olympic gold medallist, Tony Yoka, have sent Bakole to near the top of the heavyweight scene.
It now seems to be just a matter of time until the African, who is now based in Scotland, gets a shot at one of the division’s household names.
In an interview with iFL TV, Bakole continued to call out those top dogs, and appeared confident of his chances in a proposed fight with Wilder, claiming that he would knock ‘The Bronze Bomber’ out cold.
“I will knock him out, like Tyson Fury did. I will knock him out cold.”
As much as Bakole continues to push for clashes with the likes of Wilder, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, he is very much seen as a high-risk, low-reward kind of opponent.
Wilder looked set to face Andy Ruiz Jr next before moving towards a huge fight with fellow former champion, Anthony Joshua, but talks for a bout with the Mexican have taken a bad turn.
Should he be looking for a test, it appears Bakole is ready and waiting.