Proud coach Billy Nelson happy for Bakole kicking open doors that were ‘slammed in his face’

Scottish trainer Billy Nelson has been getting credit for his work with Lewis Crocker and, in particular, African heavyweight contender Martin Bakole.

Bakole, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is 21-1 (16 KOs). He will meet Efe Ajagba later in the year in an IBF title eliminator,

The fight comes after Nelson has screamed long and loud for opportunities for his fighter.

Bakole has sparred a who’s who of the best modern-day heavies, and having routed American hope Jared Anderson last August, finds himself on the cusp of a huge fight. He’s been linked with Anthony Joshua and, of course, the winner of the IBF title fight on February 22 between champion Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.

“It will be a good fight. I just don’t think Ajagba’s got the ability Martin’s got, or anywhere near it,” said Nelson, of a fight that seems likely for May. “I think he’ll stop him quite early.”

Nelson has always been Bakole’s biggest advocate, and he is pleased others have finally sat up to take notice.

“It’s long overdue,” the coach said. “Many, many doors have been slammed in Martin’s face, so the IBF giving him a final eliminator opportunity is magnificent and it’s an opportunity he’s going to take with both hands.”

BoxingScene asked Nelson, having heard so many Bakole sparring stories of besting top tier fighters, who has given the African the best work.

“They’re not stories,” smiled Nelson, before adding, “[Tyson] Fury. They’ve boxed hundreds of rounds.”

Asked whether he felt vindicated and that now he, too, was finally getting credit for his work, Nelson said: “It’s not about me, it’s about the boxers, isn’t it?”

Tris Dixon covered his first amateur boxing fight in 1996. The former editor of Boxing News, he has written for a number of international publications and newspapers, including GQ and Men’s Health, and is a board member for the Ringside Charitable Trust and the Ring of Brotherhood. He has been a broadcaster for TNT Sports and hosts the popular “Boxing Life Stories” podcast. Dixon is a British Boxing Hall of Famer, an International Boxing Hall of Fame elector, is on The Ring ratings panel and is the author of five boxing books, including “Damage: The Untold Story of Brain Trauma in Boxing” (shortlisted for the William Hill Sportsbook of the Year), “Warrior: A Champion’s Search for His Identity” (shortlisted for the Sunday Times International Sportsbook of the Year) and “The Road to Nowhere: A Journey Through Boxing’s Wastelands.” You can reach him @trisdixon on X and Instagram.