Heavyweight Boxer Blames Promoter for Career Struggles

Martin Bakole accuses Ben Shalom of trying to 'ruin my career' and holding him to an expired contract.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:22am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxer's training session or match broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones and metallic accents, conveying the fragmented and uncertain nature of the boxer's career due to a dispute with his promoter.A boxer's career path becomes fractured and uncertain as a contract dispute with his promoter threatens to sideline his progress.Corpus Christi Today

Heavyweight boxer Martin Bakole has publicly accused his promoter, Ben Shalom, of trying to sabotage his career and prevent him from fighting. Bakole claims his contract with Shalom's BOXXER promotion has expired, but Shalom is still trying to block him from taking fights and 'earning a living.' This comes after Bakole withdrew from a scheduled bout with Guido Vianello, drawing criticism from his opponent.

Why it matters

This dispute between a boxer and his promoter highlights the complex power dynamics and legal battles that can occur in the world of professional boxing. Promoters wield significant control over fighters' careers, and conflicts like this can derail a boxer's momentum and earning potential if not resolved. The outcome of this situation could impact Bakole's ability to secure fights and advance his career.

The details

Bakole and Shalom joined forces in 2023, and the 32-year-old Congolese heavyweight has since become a top-10 contender and earned a world title shot. However, after withdrawing from an upcoming fight with Guido Vianello, Bakole took to social media to accuse Shalom of trying to 'ruin' his career. Bakole claims his contract with BOXXER has expired, but Shalom is still trying to block him from taking fights and 'earning a living.' Bakole has not fought since a draw with Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

  • Bakole and Shalom joined forces in early 2023.
  • Bakole withdrew from a fight with Guido Vianello in April 2026.
  • Bakole's last fight was a draw with Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

The players

Martin Bakole

A 32-year-old Congolese heavyweight boxer who has risen to become a top-10 contender in the division.

Ben Shalom

The 31-year-old promoter of BOXXER, who has represented Bakole since 2023.

Guido Vianello

An Italian heavyweight boxer who was scheduled to fight Bakole before the bout was canceled.

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What they’re saying

“For everybody asking what is happening with me. I am ready to fight anytime but one man is trying to ruin my career: Ben Shalom. I don't understand why he is doing it. He has been earning money from me for years and years and has kept me tied up in a contract. My lawyer has confirmed that my contract with him is finished. I try to move on and he sends crazy emails to everyone blocking me from fighting and earning a living. He is trying to scare me saying he will sue everyone if I fight and don't pay him. I fight to provide for my family, not for Ben Shalom. He is not my promoter. I am ready to fight but I will not pay that man another cent.”

— Martin Bakole, Boxer

What’s next

The outcome of the contract dispute between Bakole and Shalom will determine whether Bakole is able to secure fights and continue his career progression in the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

This public feud between a boxer and his promoter highlights the complex power dynamics and legal battles that can occur in professional boxing. Promoters wield significant control over fighters' careers, and conflicts like this can derail a boxer's momentum if not resolved amicably.