Boxing: Bakolé demolishes Takam in Saudi Arabia

Faller of Tony Yoka last March, the French Carlos Takam (1.87 m, 117 kg, 40 victories, including 28 before the limit, 1 draw, 8 defeats) did not weigh heavily against Martin Bakolé in Riyadh (Saudi Saudi Arabia) Saturday evening before the clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. The Congolese, who also dominated Tony Yoka in May 2022, largely dominated the French veteran who never really entered the match.

Bakolé, 20 victories including 15 before the limit and only one defeat dating back to 2018, observed his opponent before accelerating in the third round relying on devastating hooks. Takam, although renowned for his ability to absorb blows, could do nothing to counter him. The referee logically decided to stop the fight during the fourth round.

Bakolé can now claim a fight for a world belt in the coming months unless a rematch against Tony Yoka is considered. L’Equipe reveals that Cyril Abiteboul, the promoter of the 2016 Olympic champion, would like to bring the two men together in a ring. But Yoka must first win his return fight after two defeats in a row, against the Belgian Ryad Merhy, on December 9 in a place which remains to be defined (Paris or Nantes).