Who is Martin Bakole? The Congolese 'most avoided heavyweight' with ties to Scotland

Regarded as the most avoided fighter in heavyweight boxing, Congolese-born fighter Martin Bakole has emerged as one of the most intriguing characters in the sport.

Since suffering a first professional defeat at the hands of Michael Hunter in 2018, Bakole has been on rampaging run through the heavyweight ranks with an eye-catching highlight reel of destructive knockouts, such as the one inflicted upon highly-rated American prospect Jared Anderson in August 2024.

We examine everything you need to know about Bakole including his age, background, nationality and professional boxing record.

Who is Martin Bakole?

How old is Martin Bakole?

Martin Bakole is 31 years old, having been born on 1st June 1993.

Where is Martin Bakole from?

Martin Bakole was born in Kananga, Zaire, with the country now recognised as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reportedly of regal descent in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 2016 Bakole upped sticks and moved to the tiny village of Greengairs in Airdrie, Scotland which has a documented population of just 520 people.

Bakole now wears tartan shorts in the boxing ring and joked to The Herald in 2020 that he now feels 'half Scottish'.

The 31-year-old is the younger brother of former cruiserweight world champion Ilungu Makabu, who was knocked out by Liverpudlian Tony Bellew in a WBC cruiserweight world title fight at Goodison Park in May 2016.

When did Martin Bakole turn professional?

Martin Bakole made his professional debut against Cecil Smith in Kempton Park on 25th March 2014, recording a second round knockout victory.

Who is Martin Bakole's trainer?

Martin Bakole is trained by Billy Nelson, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland.

Nelson is the former trainer of former WBO super-featherweight titlist Ricky Burns, also from Scotland.

Who is Martin Bakole's promoter?

Martin Bakole signed a multi-fight deal with promotional company BOXXER in February 2023.

This means Bakole is promoted by BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom.

Who has Martin Bakole sparred?

Martin Bakole has reportedly sparred with a host of the top names in the heavyweight ranks, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.

There have been rumours Bakole has enjoyed success in sparring sessions with the world's leading heavyweights, giving rise to suggestions the division's big-name stars have been reluctant to get into the ring with the Congolese fighter.

Martin Bakole professional boxing record

Martin Bakole has a professional boxing record of 21-1.

16 of Bakole's 21 wins have come by way of knockout.

The Congolese fighter's sole defeat came at the hands of American Michael Hunter in October 2018, losing by technical knockout in the 10th round at York Hall.