Heavyweight claims contract dispute stopped May 23 bout with Guido Vianello under Riyadh Season banner
Martin Bakole says his May 23 fight with Guido Vianello collapsed due to a contract dispute with promoter Ben Shalom. The breakdown leaves the heavyweight without a confirmed opponent as legal claims escalate.
As it stands, the fight is off and the dispute is unresolved.
Vianello stated that he had agreed to all terms and signed his contract for the bout, which was expected to take place under the Riyadh Season banner. He added that no explanation had been provided at the time of his announcement, and there has been no response from Bakole’s team or BOXXER addressing his claim.
Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) then made his own position public, pointing to a contract dispute with his promoter.
“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.”
He added that his legal team has reviewed his situation.
“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.”
Bakole also addressed the possibility of legal action tied to the dispute.
“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.”
At the time of publication, there has been no public response from Ben Shalom, BOXXER, or Bakole’s team addressing either the withdrawal claim or the contract dispute.
No replacement opponent or revised date has been confirmed.