Despite Bakole’s reputation as a dangerous and often-avoided contender, McGuigan strongly advised Joshua against taking the fight. “If I was managing Anthony Joshua, I wouldn’t go near Martin Bakole,” McGuigan said on talkBOXING. “In my opinion, Joshua has only four fights left. He needs to be fighting for a title or against Tyson Fury.”

Eddie Hearn has denied Anthony Joshua has agreed his next fight, saying the heavyweight is yet to begin talks with any opponent. Speculation on social media had suggested Joshua could fight Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder next.

Martin Bakole is targeting a huge fight with Oleksandr Usyk as he looks to finally prove himself as the world’s best heavyweight. Bakole has been speculated to face Efe Ajagba in an eliminator for the IBF crown and that could open the door for a showdown with the Ukrainian.