Fury vs Ngannou: Martin Bakole hopes to stay in contention for a world title fight against Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder could be offered a world title fight against Martin Bakole if WBA title becomes vacant, says Congolese heavyweight trainer Billy Nelson
Bakole returns to action against Carlos Takam on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s fight against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou this Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Fury has announced he will next fight Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed world title fight on December 23 and Bakole will be in line to fight No. 1 WBA contender Wilder, if the WBA title is then vacated.
Nelson told Sky Sports: “Everything will be released after the first (fight) because neither will want to fight (IBF contender Filip) Hrgovic, if there is another pot of gold for the (Fury vs Usyk) rematch.
“It’s the only option available right now unless you get the golden ticket.
“If they give up the WBA, we will fight for the vacant title.
“You fight the No. 1 (contender), which is Deontay Wilder, and you fight him for the vacant title, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Deontay Wilder is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, while Martin Bakole is ranked No. 2
Bakole is ranked No. 2 by the WBA after victories over Sergey Kuzmin and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka.
Takam also inflicted a shock defeat on Yoka in March, but Nelson is confident Bakole can add another victory to his record after a brutal victory over Ihor Shevadzutskyi in April.
“I just believe that styles argue and Carlos will be in front of him and that’s one of the worst things you can do against Martin,” Nelson said.
“But then again, if he decides to stand on his toes, he’s 42 years old, he’s going to have to keep running for a long time and that will catch up with him too.”
“I’m here, I’m ready to go!”
Wilder has insisted it would be a “major disaster” if he fails to secure the long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
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Anthony Joshua has teased a fight against Deontay Wilder with a ‘mega card’
Former British champion Joshua suggested this weekend that he could face Wilder in the Fury vs Usyk undercard and the American insists he would relish the fight.
“(It’s) a fight that everyone is looking forward to and hopefully it happens and I’m doing everything in my power to make it happen, and I’m referring to the Anthony Joshua fight,” Wilder said on Instagram.
“Anthony, you took it from the horse’s mouth: I’m here, I’m ready to go.
“I heard some things your promoter said: my last fight was only for a short period of time and I haven’t fought in a year and he doesn’t know if I want to fight or not.
“But I’m letting you know that I’m ready to fight. Let’s make it the best time of our lives. This would be a big disaster if we could never get in the ring and leave our mark on history .”