‘Can’t be avoided any longer’: Shalom says Bakole’s title shot will come soon

If Martin Bakole beats Efe Ajagba his promoter will look to immediately enforce mandatory IBF title opportunity.

With the IBF formally ordering a fight between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba as it’s heavyweight final eliminator, Bakole is on the verge of forcing his chance to contend for a major world title. Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom tells Sky Sports that his fighter will waste no time and move to immediately enforce that mandatory title fight as soon as he beats Ajagba.

“Martin can’t be avoided any longer. If he beats Efe Ajaba in May, he will be mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF world title, and we will be looking to enforce that mandatory immediately. He will be front of the queue and that fight will have to happen.”

Shalom would go on to declare Bakole as being the most feared heavyweight at the moment and that he’ll be confident in his chances against the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker, with one of those two fighters due to hold the IBF belt after their fight on Feb. 22.

Should Bakole become mandatory challenger, he should clearly have the edge on securing the title fight despite Anthony Joshua and his Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn also looking to secure a fight against the Dubois vs Parker winner.

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren doesn’t like Joshua’s chances in that regard, however, saying that Joshua would first need to get back in the win column and that the IBF wouldn’t allow him to contend for the belt right after his last defeat. Should that all stand to reason, Bakole’s world title aspirations could be right around the corner.