Seasoned Cameroonian heavyweight Carlos Takam has challenged Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, after the 42-year-old Olympic gold medalist beat Tony Yoka in Paris on 11 March.
Prior to the fight, Bakole also hinted at the possibility of the fight; saying he wouldn’t mind fighting against Takam if it is made mandatory by the World Boxing Association (WBA), but he would rather take on a bigger fight and challenge for the world title this year, hopefully against Daniel Dubois who is currently the WBA (regular) heavyweight champion.
Takam won the Paris fight in a 10-round split decision, despite his performance in the ring compelling many to say it should have been a unanimous decision in Takam’s favor.
Takam pretty much had control throughout the fight. He made it difficult for Yoka with his inside fighting and constant crouching. Yoka didn’t challenge Takam too much. He was unable to use his height to his advantage, and was in defensive mode throughout the fight, inviting Takam in to control the rhythm.
Looking at his resume, it is no surprise that Takam eventually took the victory against Yoka, and would make an exciting challenge for Bakole. In 2016 against Joseph Parker in a International Boxing Federation heavyweight title eliminator, Takam took Parker to 12 rounds but lost in a unanimous decision.
In 2017 Takam fought against 2-time former unified and world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, in a fight that went to the 10th round before being stopped by the match official. Many praised Takam’s brave performance against Joshua, and Takam himself thought the match should have been allowed to carry on.
Martin Bakole has also beaten Yoka in his most recent fight back in 2022. Against Yoka, Bakole mostly dominated – his fluid yet awkward style just proved too much for Yoka at the end.
Takam vs Bakole could be a good fight, but for now it may be far-fetched to think it a possibility for 2023.
