McGuigan warns Joshua against fighting Bakole

Boxing legend Barry McGuigan has advised Anthony Joshua to steer clear of facing heavy-hitting Congolese fighter Martin Bakole.

Although rumors of a clash between Joshua and Bakole have circulated for years — with Bakole famously claiming to have hurt Joshua during a sparring session — McGuigan believes it would be a risky move for the British heavyweight star.

Joshua is at a critical point in his career after suffering a devastating knockout by Daniel Dubois in September. He has yet to announce details of his next fight.

Speaking on talkBOXING, McGuigan was clear in his assessment: “If I was managing Anthony Joshua, I wouldn’t go near Martin Bakole,” McGuigan said. “In my opinion, Joshua has only four fights left. He needs to be fighting for a title or against Tyson Fury.”

With Bakole’s reputation as “the most avoided heavyweight in the division,” McGuigan’s cautionary stance underscores the potential danger Joshua faces as he plots his comeback.