Los Angeles, CA, USA (June 5, 2024) - On August 3rd, the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles will host a clash between two top 10 heavyweight contenders looking to crash to the top of the division. Congo’s Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) will face off against America’s rising star Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) in a match that promises to be a defining moment for both. This bout is set to take place on the same card where former unified champion Andy Ruiz will be facing once-beaten fringe contender Jarrell Miller, making it a must-watch night of boxing.

Martin Bakole: The Silent Contender

Martin Bakole has slowly but steadily built an impressive resume over the years, fighting out of Scotland. Despite his talent and victories, Bakole’s progress has been hampered by an infrequent fight schedule and a tendency to carry excess weight. His team claims that the big names in the division have been avoiding him, which has slowed his ascent into the general public’s consciousness. Currently, Bakole is hovering around the world’s top 10 heavyweights, depending on which ranking you consult.

Bakole’s most notable victory came in 2022 when he neutralized France’s Tony Yoka in Paris. In that fight, Bakole was considered a dangerous underdog, but he dominated Yoka, breaking him down and securing a clear win despite the local judging. Bakole’s ability to rise to the occasion against highly touted opponents will be crucial when he faces Anderson.

Jared Anderson: The American Prospect

Jared Anderson, backed by Top Rank and the legendary Bob Arum, is widely regarded as the future of American heavyweight boxing. With an undefeated record of 17-0, including 15 knockouts, Anderson has demonstrated tremendous speed, ability, and decent power. However, critics argue that his path to the top has been relatively easy, and he has yet to face an opponent who presents a serious challenge.

Anderson’s fight against Bakole represents his first major test against a top-ranked contender. With the momentum of youth, aggressive mindset, and substantial backing, Anderson is expected to perform at a high level. This bout is seen as Anderson’s graduation to the big time, where a win would solidify his status as a legitimate threat to the division.

Styles, Momentum, and Mindset

This fight is not just about physical attributes but also about momentum, mindset, and strategic backing. Anderson comes into this bout with significant momentum, thanks to his undefeated record and increasing popularity in the lucrative U.S. market. His aggressive approach and speed could be key factors in controlling the pace against Bakole.

On the other hand, Bakole must replicate the form and focus he showed against Tony Yoka. Coming in close to 240 lbs, like in the Yoka bout, will be crucial for his speed and endurance. Bakole needs to set the tone early, use his jab effectively, and be aggressive to prevent Anderson from gaining confidence and support from the Los Angeles crowd.

The Stakes

The stakes for this fight are incredibly high. The winner will crash into the talent-rich upper echelons of the heavyweight division, while the loser will have to rebuild and rejoin the top 20 ranks. For Bakole, this fight represents a chance to finally break into the mainstream and prove that he belongs among the elite heavyweights. For Anderson, it's an opportunity to silence critics and confirm his status as a future heavyweight star.

Predictions

Based on their respective skills and recent performances, this fight appears to be a 60-40 proposition leaning to Anderson. He has the speed, youth, and team to secure a victory. However, Bakole’s experience, toughness, and ability to rise to big occasions cannot be underestimated. Bakole has the potential to spoil Anderson’s party in Los Angeles if he can execute his game plan effectively.