Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (October 25, 2023) - In a highly anticipated top heavyweight clash, Martin Bakole is set to take on Carlos Takam, marking Bakole's return to the ring after a significant victory against Tony Yoka in Yoka's hometown of Paris last year.

This crossroads bout between Martin Bakole (19-1-0, 14 KOs) and Carlos Takam (40-7-1, 28 KOs) is a top heavyweight showdown on the fight card for the upcoming Saudi boxing and entertainment spectacle.

Bakole's triumph over Tony Yoka last year was an impressive feat, yet it left him without a significant fight for nearly a year. The 30-year-old Bakole originally hails from the Republic of the Congo but has been residing in the UK for an extended period. With 19 victories in his 20 professional bouts, 14 of which came by knockout, Bakole established himself as a formidable force in top heavyweight boxing. His most recent stay-busy match took place in April of this year when he knocked out Ukrainian Ihor Shevadzutskyi in the third round.

Bakole, while being a successful fighter, often remained battle-ready by serving as a sparring partner for heavyweight champions. Notably, he's been a favorite sparring partner of WBO, IBF, and WBA Champion Oleksandr Usyk, with rumors suggesting that Bakole may have even hurt the champion during one of their sparring sessions. Bakole has also sparred with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, both of whom he aspires to face in the ring. Currently, Bakole is at #14 in the Top Heavyweight Boxing Rankings

Carlos Takam, a 42-year-old Frenchman originally from Cameroon, shares a victory over the Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka, just like his upcoming opponent, Martin Bakole. Takam, with 48 professional fights under his belt, boasts 40 wins and one draw, with 28 of his victories coming by knockout.

Takam's career includes a 2017 world championship bout against Anthony Joshua, ending in a 10th-round knockout. He has also faced former world champion Alexander Povetkin and rising heavyweight sensation Arslanbek Makhmudov, who is also featured on the fight card in Riyadh. In September of the previous year, Takam went the distance, enduring the full 10 rounds against the hard-hitting Arslanbek Makhmudov. Notably, in 2018, Takam secured a victory against German Senad Gashi via seventh-round stoppage.

The upcoming bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, guarantees an intense and closely matched heavyweight showdown, providing fans with an electrifying contest on Saturday.

Follow up Martin Bakole's battle with Carlos Takam, check out there fight page.

‍