His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is back at it again, trying to make the biggest and best fights in boxing. This time, his sights seem to have been set on a potential bout between Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole and Chinese boxing sensation Zhilei Zhang, according to a report from ESPN’s Mike Coppinger.

31-year-old Martin Bakole just recorded the biggest win of his career against former NABF heavyweight champion Jared Anderson, ending the fight via 5th-round knockout. This easily propelled Bakole’s name in the heavyweight mix, as he became the number one contender with the WBA. While he waits for a title clash, HE Turki Alalshikh wants him to face Zhang in either of their homelands.

Lou DiBella reacts to potential Martin Bakole vs. Zhilei Zhang fight

Earlier today on X, Coppinger wrote, “@Turki_alalshikh tells ESPN he’s exploring a high-stakes heavyweight bout between Martin Bakole and Zhilei Zhang in either Africa or China, where they hail from, respectively.” It’s worth mentioning that just like Bakole, Zhang is coming off a 5th round knockout victory over Deontay Wilder earlier this year, which happens to be another Turki Alalshikh masterpiece. 

Reacting to this update, veteran promoter Lou DiBella wrote, “I love this match-up… two #boxing behemoths. VERY fan-friendly fight.” Interestingly, Zhang himself has been dreaming about a title shot for quite a while, as he defeated Joe Joyce twice and lost a fight to Joseph Parker earlier this year. However, his latest win put his name in contention for the titles, considering they don’t get separated after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk duke it out late this year.

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In the meantime, however, an extremely confident Martin Bakole has suggested Zhang won’t be much of a challenge for him, even if they end up fighting in Zhang’s homeland.

Bakole on facing Zhang 

Martin Bakole has set his sights on a potential showdown with China’s Zhang Zhilei, undeterred by the possibility of fighting on Zhang’s home turf. Bakole, fresh off his recent victories, confidently stated on talkBOXING, “I’m ready to face him… In China, in Saudi Arabia, in the UK, or in America.” 

Despite Zhang’s growing reputation and a series of impressive wins, including a victory over Deontay Wilder, Bakole remains undaunted. He emphasized his readiness by recalling his sparring session with Oleksandr Usyk, “I stopped him with a body shot… I’ll stop [Zhang], believe me.”

Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, and sparring partner Dave Allen have also voiced their confidence in his abilities, with Allen, who claims to have spared several elites in the heavyweight division, noting, “Usyk just can’t beat him.” 

While it’s a great matchup between two promising heavyweights, it’s important to remember that His Excellency has just begun talks about the potential fight, and the fight isn’t finalized yet. Regardless, if it does go through, what is your take on the bout?