BREAKING NEWS: MARTIN BAKOLE LOSES IBF ELIMINATOR SPOT AFTER PARKER DEFEAT

Martin Bakole is no longer eligible for the IBF title eliminator. His ranking has dropped to 15th in the IBF standings. This decision is linked to his last fight, the money offered, and advice from Billy Nelson.

The news broke on February 25 after an IBF spokesperson addressed Bankole’s knockout loss to WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker last Saturday. The spokesperson said:

“Bakole is out of the eliminator. We will move on to the next leading available contender.”

The issue of managers and promoters prioritizing money over fighters’ careers continues to affect the sport. It follows a simple pattern—when a boxer gets paid, they make money. But when promoters and managers get paid, they take a cut from the fighters. Now, even some boxers choose fights based on how much they can earn rather than their ranking or legacy.

THE EFFECT OF BAKOLE`S CHOICE

The fight between Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole will still happen, but it won’t be an eliminator. The IBF heavyweight title eliminator was originally set for May 2 against Ajagba.

Reports suggest Bakole was offered $600,000 to accept this fight. However, losing the IBF eliminator spot is a major setback. If he had fought Ajagba as a mandatory challenger, he would have earned more and increased his chances of competing for a world title. Now, he’s in a tough position, needing to climb back up the ranks. It took him 11 years to get to this level, and now he has to start over.

That’s the reality of boxing—you win fights, you move up. You lose, you drop down. Joseph Parker is still on track for a title shot..

Bakole could have said no. Being 315 pounds and untrained was his own fault. Have you ever seen Floyd Mayweather or Oleksandr Usyk out of shape? He wanted the Saudi money, took the risk, and lost. But he never expected a different sanctioning body—not the WBO from his last fight—to notice and strip him of his IBF eliminator chance.

Still, Bakole will bounce back. Very few fighters can perform at their best without a training camp. Let’s judge him after the Ajagba fight, not now. This time, he’ll have a full camp and be more dangerous than ever. If he dominates Ajagba, he’ll be back among the top heavyweights.

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He spent 11 years making little money, but in just three fights, he’s earned well. He’s in good standing with Turkish promoters and will be on the May card, as well as other Riyadh Season events. Right now, it’s about getting good fights and making money. Belts and mandatory spots don’t pay the bills.

Trainer Billy Nelson Defends Bakole’s Decision to Fight Parker

When asked if he regretted taking the fight, Billy Nelson said, “Absolutely not.” He explained that his job as a trainer is to maximize profits for his fighter. The interviewer suggested he also took the fight for financial reasons, but Nelson denied it. He claimed he didn’t need the money and could retire comfortably.

Nelson’s stoppage of the fight raised questions. Bakole made the count and could have continued. Now, due to what seems like greed and poor decision-making, Bakole’s career is on hold. A fully fit Bakole would have beaten Parker.

CONCLUSION

Boxing fans feel sorry for Bakole. His best interests were ignored. His trainer and manager prioritized quick Saudi money over his career. This situation highlights how crucial good trainers and managers are—not just for protection but for guiding a fighter’s future. They may have secured a spot for Turki Alalshikh’s event, but they couldn’t save Bakole’s ranking.

The big question now is: Who will fight Ajagba?

It looks like a possible rematch between Ajagba and Frank Sánchez for the IBF eliminator. Sánchez is the next highest-ranked fighter after Bakole. But the problem is, Sánchez hasn’t done anything since losing to Agit Kabayel. It makes no sense.

There are also rumors that Frank Warren is pressuring the IBF to make Derek Chisora the No. 1 mandatory challenger. If that happens, he could book Chisora vs. Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt in what could be Chisora’s final fight.