Bakole is the younger brother of Ilunga Makabu, currently 11 and 0. In the ring he is a little rough around the edges, but he picks his shots very well and definitely packs a punch. Do you guys think he could be a force at heavyweight? There rumors that he dropped Daniel Dubois in sparring. This content is protected This content is protected
Actually, he had to quit the sparring because of damage he took from Martin. Martin's older brother Ilunga Makabu has said that his brother Marin hits very hard.
He seems to have power and good technique but I think defensively and getting into shape he is suspect. To be honest, Dubois, Joyce, Miller, all these contenders seems to have good offensive skills but poor defensive should make for some great fights.
Bakole has looked a bit lethargic in a few of his fights, but in most, he's been devastating. Easily some of the fastest hands in the division, a seemingly excellent gas tank, great accuracy, the ability to throw deadly body shots without looking down, and while he's doing all this, he's keeping his head safely up & back. He also has excellent defensive footwork, especially for being 6'6" tall, and lovely head slips, in those rare moments he needs to use them. I have no idea why @Jamashyaka thinks he has poor defense. I think he's one of the 2-3 best defensive HW prospects out there right now. Not quite as slick as Teslenko or Wallen, but just as effective.
He's clearly extremely gifted. His punching has a level of speed and fluidity for a man his size that can't be taught, and that's coupled with very formidable power and excellent defensive reflexes. Unless his chin is garbage, I think he'll cruise to contender stays based on his talent alone.
He can ptobably make it to a contender spot, but with what's coming up and the addition of the top cruisers pretty soon, it's gonna get crowded. Good times for HW boxing ahead after some big transition pains.
Of the boxrec top 50, I'd currently pick the crude raw version of him against: Gerald Washington Bermane Stiverne Eric Molina Arthur Szpilka Johann Duhapus Luis Ortiz Deontay Wilder He needs to avoid the other 43 for now though
Sadly for Bakole, he's going to get KTFO by Hunter in October. Hopefully the Brits won't write him off after that.
