Martin Bakole could be two wins away from a world title shot according to his trainer Billy Nelson.
The heavyweight produced the best win of his career last Friday by dominating French hope Tony Yoka in Paris.
In the current rankings Yoka is ranked number five with the IBF, a spot he is likely to lose which will mean a jump for Bakole from his position at 15. The Scottish-based Congolese heavyweight is also at nine in the WBA standings.
“I think that win will put Martin in the top five or six in most of the rankings,” Nelson told Sky Sports.
“Going forward, we just want a good name, one or two more victories and I’m sure he’ll be in an ideal place to fight for a world title at the beginning of next year – that’s the plan.”
Bakole made a mockery of Yoka’s reputation and amateur pedigree by dropping the Olympic Gold Medallist twice in their ten-round bout.
“Martin will only improve,” Nelson added.
“I think there’s still another 25 per cent of improvement in him and that’s going to be a lot of trouble for all the heavyweights in the world.”