Martin Bakole rages at promoter Ben Shalom for ‘blocking’ him from fighting as Boxxer issues statement

Heavyweight boxing star Martin Bakole has accused promoter Ben Shalom of ‘trying to ruin my career.’

The 34-year-old hasn’t boxed since a controversial draw against Efe Ajagba in May 2025, and his lack of activity has left members of the boxing fraternity wondering whether he’ll ever return.

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Bakole signed for Shalom’s Boxxer in early 2023 with a reputation as one of the sport’s hardest-hitting heavyweights.

However, the Congolese slugger’s stock sank when he was brutally knocked out by Joseph Parker last year, despite covering 3,800 miles in three days to make the fight as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois.

He was then set to make a return on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven, according to his scheduled opponent Guido Vianello, posted on Instagram last week that Bakole had pulled out.

Bakole has since taken to social media to suggest why that may have been the case.

Bakole fumes at Shalom and Boxxer

“For everybody asking what is happening with me,” Bakole explained on his X profile.

“I am ready to fight anytime but one man is trying to ruin my career: Ben Shalom.

“I don’t understand why he is doing it. He has been earning money from me for years and years and has kept me tied up in a contract.

“My lawyer has confirmed that my contract with him is finished. I try to move on and he sends crazy emails to everyone blocking me from fighting and earning a living.

“He is trying to scare me saying he will sue everyone if I fight and don’t pay him.

“I fight to provide for my family, not for Ben Shalom. He is not my promoter.

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“I am ready to fight but I will not pay that man another cent.’

Boxxer denies Bakole’s words

Shalom’s Boxxer has since responded with a statement on social media, which read: “Boxxer would like to respond to recent public comments made by Martin Bakole.

“Martin Bakole remains under contract with Boxxer.

“Throughout our promotional agreement, we have enjoyed a good relationship delivering major fights and securing career-high purses for him.

“We continue to work to secure the best possible opportunities for Martin, including a number of high-profile fights over the past 12 months, which he has either been unavailable for or declined.

“It is therefore disappointing to see these claims made publicly and as a result of third-party interference intended to cause damage.

“Boxxer remains fully committed to getting Martin back in the ring when he is next available to compete at the highest level.”

Bakole screenshotted the statement and posted it on his X account with several angry face emojis.

He later added: “I want to make one thing very clear: I have always respected every team I’ve worked with and I remain focused on my career, my future, and fighting at the highest level.

“My only priority has always been to stay active, take the biggest opportunities available, and give the fans the fights they want to see.

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“I won’t go back and forth in public or get distracted by statements.

“My energy is on getting in the ring, proving myself, and becoming world champion.

“I appreciate everyone who supports me. The truth will always show itself through actions, not words.

“I’m ready for the next challenge. Let’s make the big fights happen.”

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.