Martin Bakole has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. The Congolese heavyweight has once again turned heads with a bold claim that has ignited discussions across the boxing world. After his recent fight against Joseph Parker, Bakole has expressed his frustration, stating that he would have completely dominated Parker if not for an unexpected disruption regarding compensation negotiations.

The Build-Up to the Controversial Fight

Leading up to the fight, Martin Bakole had been making waves in the heavyweight division, solidifying himself as a dangerous opponent. His relentless power, unmatched durability, and precise striking had made him a feared name. Joseph Parker, a former world champion, was expected to be one of Bakole’s toughest challenges.

The fight was billed as an electrifying showdown, with both fighters eager to prove their worth. While Parker was aiming to continue his resurgence in the division, Bakole saw this as an opportunity to make a definitive statement and position himself for a world title shot. However, according to Bakole, circumstances outside the ring played a pivotal role in the fight’s outcome.

A Fight Overshadowed by Compensation Issues

Bakole has now spoken out, claiming that just before the match, his team was caught up in a last-minute dispute regarding his fight purse. He suggests that the distraction cost him the absolute focus he needed to take Parker out in a decisive manner.

“If not for that short call about my compensation, I would have swallowed Parker alive,” Bakole declared. “I was mentally prepared, physically at my peak, but when financial matters get in the way, it affects your focus. How can a fighter be at his best when there are disruptions outside the ring? I should have had my full attention on my opponent, not on whether I’m getting what I deserve.”

His statements have left many wondering just how much of an impact the dispute over payment had on his performance. While he still gave Parker a tough challenge, Bakole insists that his dominance was hindered due to the stress and uncertainty right before stepping into the ring.

Could Bakole Have Truly ‘Swallowed’ Parker?

Joseph Parker is no ordinary opponent. The former WBO heavyweight champion has fought and defeated some of the best in the division. While Bakole’s power is undeniable, Parker’s experience and resilience have made him one of the toughest fighters to take down.

Despite the close contest, Parker walked away with the victory, leaving Bakole and his supporters frustrated. However, Bakole believes that a rematch with proper preparation and no distractions would tell a completely different story.

“I wasn’t at my best, and I still gave him problems. Imagine what happens when I’m 100% locked in,” Bakole added.

What’s Next for Martin Bakole?

After his controversial loss to Parker, the heavyweight division remains open for Bakole to make a strong comeback. While he may have lost the fight, his stock hasn’t diminished in the eyes of boxing analysts and promoters. His power and ability to break down opponents remain a threat to any fighter in the division.

Potential next steps for Bakole include:

A rematch with Joseph Parker—Bakole has been vocal about wanting another shot at Parker, this time under conditions where he has full focus.
A showdown with another top contender—With the heavyweight division constantly shifting, Bakole could face someone like Daniel Dubois, Frank Sanchez, or Otto Wallin to solidify his position.
Title eliminator bout—If he can secure a strong win against a top opponent, Bakole could be in line for a title shot sooner rather than later.

The Verdict: Did Compensation Drama Cost Him the Fight?

While some believe that Bakole’s claims are valid, others argue that every fighter faces distractions and that a true champion overcomes them. However, it’s undeniable that last-minute financial disputes can be a major disruption, especially in a sport where mental focus is just as important as physical ability.

Boxing is as much about business as it is about skill, and fighters must balance the pressures of both. Whether or not Bakole was affected enough to change the outcome of the fight remains a hot topic, but one thing is certain—he is not done yet. His hunger for redemption is stronger than ever, and fans can expect to see him back in the ring soon.

For now, the boxing world awaits to see if Martin Bakole gets his rematch or moves on to another high-profile bout. Either way, the heavyweight division remains a battlefield where anything can happen, and Bakole is determined to leave no doubts about his capabilities.