Martin Bakole got his biggest win of his career when he beat 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris last night.
The rearranged match looks to be a fitting headline event that will show how far Yoka can go in the sport. Bakole, originally from Congo, but now lives his life in Scotland coached by Billy Nelson without regard for fame or the fact that he is seen as a stepping stone. The 28-year-old dominated ten rounds knocking out the Frenchman in the first and fifth rounds.
It was a great performance by Bakole, who was too big, too strong, and a problem that Yoka couldn’t handle.
Yoka sought his stab to get back into the fray but Bakole’s body, who then bled his opponent’s nose, broke Yoka’s spirit. The problems are increasing for the favorite house and he has few answers to them.
A depressed Yoka who has shown bravery all his life but is coveted and any world title aspirations seem out of his reach.
Despite Bakole’s dominance in a match where Yoka was lucky to win one round, let alone two, the referees somehow decided otherwise. 96-92, 95-93 and a confusing 94-94 were read out. There was nothing stupid or shameful about scoring goals, but a frisky Bakole didn’t care at the time. The WBA’s number nine contender is certainly a legitimate threat to anyone looking to usurp the heavyweight spot.
