Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole posed for a face-off during the Saturday Ring Awards in London, England.
Staredown in London
It was interesting to see the intensity on the face of the two-time former heavyweight champion Joshua in the clash with the highly ranked Bakole (21-1, 16 KO). It was like AJ was trying to intimidate Bakole and send a message about what would await him if they ever met in the ring. The two are not expected to fight in 2025, and maybe never.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the plan is for AJ to fight Tyson Fury twice in 2025 and possibly a rematch against IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Hearn would resist letting Joshua fight Bakole with all of his being because he would know what would happen to AJ if that match happened.
If the fight with Bakole were to happen, it would be in 2026 under ideal circumstances. This would be after Joshua beat Fury twice and avenged his loss to Dubois. Beating Fury twice is realistic for AJ, but avenging his loss to Dubois is probably beyond what he’s capable of due to his age and low punch resistance.
Turkey’s test
“As I want to see, but you have to make sure they are focused and they still have it,” said Turki Al-Shiekh on Carl Froch YouTube channel when asked if he wants to see Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury in 2025.
“Now it’s normal for us to lose some fights in boxing. All fighters want to focus on Mayweather’s undefeated career. This can happen once every 50, 60, 70 years. Now we need a UFC model. Champions lose and win,” Turki said, reacting to Froch telling him that Fury was getting depressed and moody. Froch says Fury is facing a loss to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time.
Turki Al-Shiekh’s tone suggests he wants Joshua and Fury to win before he arranges the fight. How else can he find out if they “do you still have it?” He can’t do that by looking them in the eye, talking to them, or watching them hit their gloves. They have to fight someone good.
The best way to do this would be for Joshua to fight Bakole and Fury to fight Dubois. If the old warriors pass these tests, then it can be said that they “still have it”, and it pays for Turkey to finance the mutual fight.
News about the fight soon in Africa 👊❤️ @anthonyjoshua pic.twitter.com/DPLrHBpXyu
— Martin Bakole (@MartinBakole01) January 11, 2025
