Martin Bakole

Martin Bakole Ilunga is an active professional boxer hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo who has become a highly-rated heavyweight contender. He is a former world title challenger who vied for the WBO Interim Championship and is the younger brother of a former world champion.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Martin Bakole Ilunga was born on June 1, 1993, in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congolese heavyweight stands 198 cm tall and has a formidable wingspan of 208 cm.

Throughout his professional tenure, he has competed in the heavyweight class. Bakole is known for his powerful, physically imposing style, using his size and strength effectively from an orthodox position.

He comes from a fighting family; his older sibling is the former cruiserweight world champion, Ilunga Makabu. Bakole made a significant move to Greengairs, Scotland, where he trains under the guidance of Coach Billy Nelson. He welcomed his first child, a son named Martin Jr., in 2020.

Career

Bakole started his professional journey in 2014, building a powerful reputation primarily in Africa before relocating to the UK. His ascent was tested in 2018 when he faced his first significant setback in a competitive loss to the skilled American contender Michael Hunter.

Displaying true resilience, Bakole rebuilt his momentum with a series of impressive victories. His career-defining moment came in 2022 when he traveled to France and achieved a major upset by handing the previously unbeaten Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka his first professional defeat in a dominant performance.

He continued to prove his elite standing with a commanding stoppage win over veteran contender Carlos Takam in 2023. This string of impressive performances earned him a shot at a world title, where he challenged for the WBO Interim Heavyweight Championship in February 2025.

Career Record:

Total - 24

Wins – 21

• By knockout - 16
• By decision - 5

Losses – 2

• By knockout - 1
• By decision - 1

Draws - 1