Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole has publicly accused promoter Ben Shalom of holding his career hostage. He claims the BOXXER boss has blocked him from fighting and earning money.
Bakole addressed the situation directly. He made it clear that he wants to stay active. However, he believes one person continues to stand in his way.
“For everybody asking what is happening with me. I am ready to fight anytime but one man is trying to ruin my career: Ben Shalom.”
He expressed confusion over the situation. He also pointed to a long working relationship that has now turned sour.
“I don’t understand why he is doing it. He has been earning money from me for years and years and has kept me tied up in a contract.”
Bakole then revealed what he says is a key development. He claims his deal with BOXXER is over.
“My lawyer has confirmed that my contract with him is finished.”
Despite that, Bakole insists the issues have not stopped. He accused Shalom of interfering with his attempts to move forward.
“I try to move on and he sends crazy emails to everyone blocking me from fighting and earning a living.”
He also alleged that threats have been made behind the scenes. According to Bakole, those threats are aimed at anyone willing to work with him.
“He is trying to scare me saying he will sue everyone if I fight and don’t pay him.”
Bakole stressed his motivation. He said his focus is on providing for his family, not maintaining ties with a promoter he no longer recognizes.
“I fight to provide for my family, not for Ben Shalom. He is not my promoter. I am ready to fight but I will not pay that man another cent.”
Meanwhile, the controversy surfaced during a turbulent fight week. Bakole withdrew from the May 23 Ring event titled Glory to Giza, headlined by Oleksandr Usyk against Rico Verhoeven.
Bakole was set to face Guido Vianello. However, the fight fell apart at the last moment.
Vianello reacted with frustration. He claimed everything had already been agreed on his side.
“My team had agreed all terms for me to fight Martin Bakole on May 23 in Giza, Egypt. I even signed the contract. It would have been an honour to fight for Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine.”
He also criticized the lack of communication.
“For some reason, he decided to pull out of the fight without any explanation at the very last hour. Not even an excuse from Martin Bakole, BOXXER, or Billy Nelson.”
Vianello made it clear he remains focused. He also challenged Bakole to return to the ring soon.
“I’m still in the gym this morning, doing my part. July sounds like a good time to find your courage again unless you have finished with boxing now.”
The dispute between Bakole and Shalom has been building for years. Tensions increased after Bakole’s August 2024 bout with Jared Anderson. Bakole claimed Shalom took the majority of his purse from that fight.
Since then, Bakole has fought twice. However, he has now been out of the ring for nearly a year.
At the same time, Shalom has faced setbacks with his promotional stable. BOXXER has seen several fighters leave after losing its deal with Sky Sports.
Notably, Ben Whittaker moved to Matchroom. In addition, Caroline Dubois signed with MVP.
