Great match up. I give Anderson a lot of credit for taking this fight. Maybe it's a miscalculation on his team's part but either way it's a risky fight against a big punching dangerman who he could've easily avoided on route to trying to secure a title shot.
Bakole is the more proven but his weight has been creeping up in recent fights, he was nearly 300lbs the last time he fought and he will have not fought for 10 months by the time he fights Anderson. An overweight and ring rusty Bakole might very well lose on points. We know even when in half decent shape he doesn't have much of a gas tank, his best bet is to stop Anderson before it goes late. But having said that Anderson hasn't impressed me, his defence is porous, he isn't a counter puncher so is forced to lead to be effective so that plays into Bakole hands and Bakole hits hard so he could really trouble Anderson if he doesn't show us something knew and prove he can fight on the back foot. If Bakole shows up in shape I think he can beat Anderson, but if he's overweight again he'll be too slow and simply won't throw enough and loses a decision.
Martin already exposed him, Bakole could take his head off. Absolutely one of the best fights that could have been made. The heavyweight division really is on fire. I started following boxing back in 2008 or so, and this is by far the best the division has looked in that time.
Now that's the real test for Anderson. Bakole has two loses in the past, both Hunter and Kuzmin beat him, but recently he has been good. Let's hope for a good fight and someone may be hyped after this.
It's about time Anderson takes a step up. This is a dangerous fight for him, one he could possibly lose if he doesn't take Bakole seriously.
I'm not sold on either fighter. Bakole is very over rated on here and Anderson gives me vibes on looking for the easy way out in fights. Bakole either by stoppage or Anderson by controversial SD.
Do we think this fight replaced the Tzyzu Ortiz fight or would it have been added in spite of that fight falling through?