Frank Warren, the head of Queensberry Promotions, has stated that a potential bout between heavyweight contenders Moses Itauma and Martin Bakole is improbable for their immediate next fight.
Reports and discussions surrounding a possible confrontation between the two have circulated in recent weeks, with Warren himself having previously indicated interest in creating such an opportunity for the undefeated Itauma, who holds a record of 12 wins, 0 losses, with 10 knockouts.
However, it now appears the prominent promoter is looking towards different options for Itauma. Meanwhile, Bakole, whose record stands at 21-2-1 with 16 knockouts, is reportedly already set for his next fight.
The 31-year-old Bakole established a formidable reputation, earning the label of a division bogeyman by many, when he decisively stopped Jared Anderson in the fifth round last August.
Following that significant win, the Congolese fighter took a chance by stepping in on approximately two days` notice to face Joseph Parker in February, after Parker`s original opponent, Daniel Dubois, withdrew.
That appearance, however, ended abruptly for Bakole, who was dropped before his corner, led by trainer Billy Nelson, pulled him out of the contest in just the second round.
His next scheduled fight against Efe Ajagba this month resulted in a highly contentious draw, following a performance that many considered uninspired from Bakole.
Despite these recent mixed results, the powerful heavyweight has apparently secured another opportunity. Trainer Billy Nelson has suggested that as a result of this upcoming fight, the potential clash with Itauma will simply have to wait.
In the meantime, Itauma, who continued his impressive run with a typical dynamic second-round finish against Mike Balogun on Saturday, is expected to be featured on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk versus Daniel Dubois 2 rematch.
While the opponent for the 20-year-old`s fight at Wembley Stadium in London on July 19 is yet to be revealed, it is considered certain that he will not be stepping into the ring against Bakole on that date.
“I’m getting sick to death of hearing about Bakole,” Warren told BoxNation. “We’ve seen his last two fights – he was lucky to get a draw [against Ajagba] and he got poleaxed [by Parker]. Let Bakole have that massive fight he’s got [next] – let him win the massive fight – and then we’ll see if he deserves the shot [at Itauma].”
