Guido Vianello has been left with a bitter taste. The Italian boxer had already signed a contract to face Congolese fighter Martin Bakole on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven—a great opportunity to earn a solid purse, fight in the stunning setting of the Pyramids of Giza, and, with a win, move closer to the top of the heavyweight division. Unfortunately for him, Bakole pulled out at the last moment after falling out with his promoter Ben Shalom.
In an interview with the American magazine The Ring, Vianello expressed all his disappointment over the failed negotiations. The Italian said he was back in the gym training hard just one week after knocking out unbeaten Canadian Alexis Barriere, such is his desire to build momentum from his recent success.
The possibility of a fight with Bakole has not completely vanished, although it will no longer take place in Egypt next month. Apparently, Vianello’s team is trying to reopen talks with the powerful African boxer in hopes of arranging a bout this summer, likely on The Ring card scheduled for July 25, but nothing has been finalized yet.
If Bakole is not available, Guido still wants to test himself against a high-level opponent, as he stated in the interview: “I sparred eight rounds yesterday, I’m ready in May, June or July, as soon as possible. May 23 was a great fight card for me, it’s very sad but I want any top-10 heavyweight.”
Martin Bakole has not fought since May of last year, when he fought to a ten-round draw with Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba. His career slowed down significantly in 2025, and his current managerial issues risk further damaging his ambitions. We will see whether he ultimately accepts Vianello’s challenge or if the Italian will have to turn his attention to other targets.