Martin Bakole is a rising star in the heavyweight boxing division, known for his powerful punches and impressive performances against top-tier opponents.
The Congolese-born fighter has been steadily climbing the ranks and making a name for himself in the boxing world. Let’s take a closer look at this formidable heavyweight contender.
Martin Bakole’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Martin Bakole Ilunga |
| Nickname | “The African Prince” |
| Born | June 1, 1993 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | Congolese |
| Height | 6’6″ (198 cm) |
| Turned Pro | March 25, 2014 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Instagram Profile | @martin_bakole_ |
Early Career
Martin Bakole began his boxing journey in his home country of Congo before moving to South Africa to train with his brother. He had a brief amateur career before deciding to turn professional in 2014.
Bakole’s early fights took place in various countries, including South Africa, Belgium, and Luxembourg, where he quickly established himself as a promising heavyweight prospect.
His power and size caught the attention of boxing insiders, leading to opportunities in more prominent boxing markets.
Professional Career
Bakole’s professional career took a significant turn when he moved to Scotland and began training under Billy Nelson. This move proved to be crucial for his development as a fighter.
He steadily built up his record, facing increasingly tougher opposition. A notable setback came in 2018 when he suffered his first and only professional loss to Michael Hunter.
However, Bakole bounced back impressively, stringing together a series of wins against solid opponents. His breakthrough moment came in 2022 when he defeated Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in a major upset.
Bakole followed this with impressive victories over Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson, the latter being a highly touted American prospect.
Wife
Martin Bakole is married. He tied the knot with his wife in 2023. Bakole became a father in 2020, welcoming a child while he was visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Martin Bakole’s Net Worth Details
Martin Bakole’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025.
This figure has grown significantly over the past few years due to his increasing profile in the boxing world and bigger fight purses.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Date | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Anderson | August 3, 2024 | $500,000 |
| Carlos Takam | October 28, 2023 | $300,000 |
| Tony Yoka | May 14, 2022 | $200,000 |
Endorsements
- Boxxer (UK boxing promotion)
- Everlast (boxing equipment)
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Anderson | Win (TKO) | August 3, 2024 |
| Carlos Takam | Win (TKO) | October 28, 2023 |
| Tony Yoka | Win (MD) | May 14, 2022 |
| Michael Hunter | Loss (TKO) | October 13, 2018 |
FAQs
What is Martin Bakole’s boxing style?
Martin Bakole is known for his powerful punching and surprising agility for his size. He combines his imposing physical presence with solid boxing skills, including a good jab and decent footwork.
Has Martin Bakole ever been a world champion?
As of 2025, Martin Bakole has not yet won a world championship. However, he is highly ranked by multiple sanctioning bodies and is considered a top contender for world titles.
Who trains Martin Bakole?
Martin Bakole is trained by Billy Nelson, a respected Scottish boxing coach. They have been working together since Bakole moved his training base to Scotland.
What was Martin Bakole’s biggest win to date?
Many consider Bakole’s victory over Jared Anderson in August 2024 to be his most significant win. This fight established him as a top heavyweight contender.
Is it true that Martin Bakole is a prince?
Yes, Martin Bakole is indeed a prince. His father is the king of the Kananga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How has Martin Bakole’s African heritage influenced his boxing career?
Bakole’s African heritage plays a significant role in his identity as a boxer. He often speaks about representing Congo and has expressed interest in fighting in Africa in the future.
What challenges has Martin Bakole faced in his career?
One of the main challenges Bakole has faced is getting opportunities against top opponents. He has often been described as an avoided fighter in the heavyweight division.
How does Martin Bakole compare to other top heavyweights?
Bakole is considered a dangerous opponent for any top heavyweight due to his size, power, and improving skills. His performances against quality opponents have shown he can compete at the highest level.
What are Martin Bakole’s goals in boxing?
Bakole has expressed his desire to become a world champion and to eventually defend a title in his home country of Congo.
How has Martin Bakole’s time in Scotland affected his career?
Training in Scotland has provided Bakole with high-quality facilities and sparring. It has also helped him gain a following in the UK, which is a major market for heavyweight boxing.
