Martin Bakole or Agit Kabayel could replace ‘NOT RATED’ in the IBF heavyweight rankings and become Daniel Dubois’ leading challenger if they agree on a mandatory final eliminator. from the sanctioning agency
The promoter of 21-1 (16 KO) Bacole, who is already ranked No. 3 by the WBC and WBO, No. 1 by the WBA and has a win over Jared Anderson, confirmed the bout with Kabayel. It’s something they’re willing to take.
“We love that fight,” boxer Ben Shalom told Sky Sports. “I think that’s the only way we’re going to get it. (The world title fight) is forcing it to happen. I don’t think anyone who wins the world championship will want to take a chance on Martin Bacole.”
“He is No. 1 in the WBA and in the top five of every organization. (The boycotted) will soon have nowhere to hide.”
Kabayel 25-0 (17 KO) remains well in the alphabet rankings after consecutive victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.
“It’s a fight we’ve been talking about for a while, for me, two of the most avoidable heavyweights in the world,” Shalom said. “The IBF has a reputation for enforcing their orders. Therefore, it is best for us to participate. We loved that fight.
“We hope to have it completed by December this year. We will wait and see what happens.”
