Eddie Hearn Weighs In on Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole

On Saturday, September 21, 2004, at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) delivered a career-best performance to brutally stop Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) in the fifth round to retain the IBF title he inherited following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate. Following this devastating loss for AJ, speculation has been rife, about whether we will continue to fight. Eddie Hearn has sat down with The Ring Magazine and spoke about the possibility of Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) in Africa.

Eddie Hearn Talks Potential of Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole

Hearn Discusses Joshua vs Bakole

During his interview with The Ring’s Louis Hart, Hearn was asked about the potential of Joshua facing Bakole in Africa and if it would be a realistic proposition: “If it was done right and if the money was there. Honestly, Joshua would fight anyone,” said Hearn.

He added: “He’s more than happy to fight Bakole. He’s more than happy to fight Wilder. He’s more than happy to rematch Dubois. He’s more than happy to fight Tyson Fury.“

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The Matchroom Sport chairman added: “I think if the fight was done properly and His Excellency was behind it. I think AJ would be fine to fight Bakole in Africa.”

Hearn went on to give further insight into a possible AJ-Bakole fight: “Again, not really a target (Bakole fight). AJ doesn’t really care who he fights. My job is to put the road map together and commercially make it right.”

Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole: Commercial Viability

“The problem with Martin Bakole is, commercially he brings nothing to the table. But if he’s a dance partner in a massive event in Africa, obviously he’s from the Congo, I get it, and (if) there’s big money in the fight, no problem.”

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He added: “What we’re not gonna do is go and have a big tough fight for small money. Bakole is a good fighter. It’s not an easy fight. It’s not a warm-up fight, it’s not a treading water fight, it’s a real fight.”