Zhang would likely slap up and stop Bakole, particularly if Martin came in weighing 300lbs like he did v Takam. I think Zhang stops him early.
From what I've seen of both, Zhang. I have not been impressed with Bakole at all. Wasn't really impressed by Zhang either other than against Joyce..............
Bakole is extremely dangerous and effective once he starts letting his hands go and punching in combinations. Not only does he have fast hands but he has great variety and volume too: Big right and left hooks upstairs, vicious body punches, and uppercuts from both hands threaded through the middle. That is not an easy thing to deal with or to be able to defend against from someone that size.
I like Bakole but a fast, powerful southpaw like Zhang is a terrible match up for him; he would be better off chasing someone like Whyte or Dubois.
He gets countered all night with that megaton left, bakole is lazy, powerful, skillful, big arsenal but lazy not defensively sound. I think Zhang is clever aswell, schooled and knows how to set traps. Very rare for a heavyweight. Size isnt really a consideration when we are talking about Zhang. They are pretty much the same size, when Bakole hasnt got the extra meat.
Like I said, Big Bang is slicker, craftier, with a better defence but what Bakole brings to the table is a nightmare for many top HWs and once he starts landing with those combinations you're in a world of trouble if you stand right in front of him or can't block his attacks which is not easy at all given the weight and variety and speed of his shots Big Bang is a rare breed in that not only is he a 20st man mountain with devastating power but he's slick, quick and crafty and he can punish your mistakes with deadly effect and that's why I give him the edge vs Bakole even at his advanced age But Bakole is Congolese royalty and a bear of a man and offensive force. Size is a factor even though they're almost the same size because when you have a 19-20st very powerful man mountain with fast hands, speed and punch variety unloading on you it's a big problem This content is protected
If Zhang was 35, I'd pick him over everyone including Hrgovic in a rematch. As it is now........ We've seen how raw power and athleticism helped Ngannou against Fury. Bakole is similar but has much more boxing experience.
This is a phenomenal fight. Zhang is a monster, he looks a bit more polished Bakole is a monster he looks a bit fitter. Fire works guaranteed here and the sort of fight that will interest me and most hard cores as much as the main event. These are the cards this sport desperately needs.
Better version of Joe Joyce. I think he'd do better against Zhang. Not sure he wins, but he puts up a fight.