“I know he’s a big, strong man,” Martin told The Ring. “Imma go around him, break him, and take him out. That’s what I’m doing. That’s what I’m going to do.”
Martin does not see this as depression. He sees it as a time we love him more than Ajagba sees it. The difference in work created a sense of decline. Martin insists it has created something else instead: opportunity disguised as risk.
Martin believes the inaction has created a false impression
Heavyweight modeling often uses a risk equation. Fighters positioned around title contention look for opponents who seem manageable but reliable. Martin fits that description. He was once a strong IBF champion, but his recent inactivity and his age make him seem less realistic than younger fighters.
Martin believes that Ajagba saw the inefficiency and thought of erosion. He believes that thinking created this war.
Facing Jared Anderson in July 2023 reinforced Martin’s belief that he is still a threat. Anderson was unbeatable and is considered one of the rising names in the division. Martin hurt him twice during their 10-round bout before losing by unanimous decision. The game did not produce a victory, but it changed the way Martin looked at his position.
He said other heavyweights avoided him after that because they considered him too dangerous without enough reward. Ajagba made a different decision.
“I want big fights,” said Martin. “[Ajagba is] in my own way. That’s his fault, his fault. [Beating Ajagba is gonna] for me these great battles.”
That language shows more than confidence. It shows Martin’s belief that Ajagba has not studied well where he is in his career.
The recent rise of Ajagba is built on narrow margins
Ajagba enters the battle with a strong stance. He is ranked 8th by The Ring and is close to meaningful fights in this division. His recent sparring with Martin Bakole kept him busy while other heavyweights waited for bigger opportunities.
Martin focused on that particular fight, arguing that the version of Bakole Ajagba he faced was not physically prepared.
“That was Bakole out of shape,” Martin said. “I heard [Bakole] he was at his best when he was fighting Jared. So, I mean, he was out of shape [the Ajagba fight]. … It seemed like if he was in the mood he would beat him. But that’s a big deal. You have to be in shape.”
Martin’s interpretation removes some of the certainty about Ajagba’s recent progress. You see the holes and the distance between them. Ajagba’s one loss, a decision loss to Frank Sanchez, remains the only clear setback on his record. Martin believes that his experience and physical strength are at that level.
Martin sees the fight as a stepping stone back to the big leagues
Martin’s goals go beyond this enemy. He sees Ajagba as a way to return to the top tier of heavyweight fights, including international big cards that are now a staple of the club’s schedule.
“I’m trying to get to Saudi and all that stuff,” Martin said. “I want to be on the big cards, back in trouble.”
That goal gives this battle even more importance. Martin doesn’t fight just to stay active. He is fighting to re-establish himself in the heavyweight structure that has progressed during his hiatus. He also admitted that his previous career had its flaws.
“In the past, I may not have been the fighter that I was when I started,” Martin said. “That hurt me a lot, so going back to that right song, I’m going to make a statement.”
That acceptance explains the urgency of his current approach, because Martin doesn’t see this as a rebuilding but as a time correction.
Ajagba welcomed the fight, expecting to face the former champion who is out of action at the end of his career. Martin believes he will experience something completely different. If Martin is right, Ajagba chose this fight based on his late version.
