- Martin Bakole beat Carlos Takam on the Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou undercard
- He has now revealed that he swallowed a wasp during the fight in Riyadh
- Listen to Mail Sport’s new boxing podcast THE HOOK – with exclusive interviews
Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole has shockingly revealed he swallowed a wasp during his victory over Carlos Takam on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.
Bakole’s clash with Takam was the first televised bout on the undercard of Tyson Fury‘s crossover fight with Francis Ngannou, and the Scottish-based heavyweight delivered a dominant display as he stopped his opponent inside four rounds.
From the outside it looked like a straightforward night for Bakole as he moved to 20-1 as a professional. But the 30-year-old has since explained that a wasp flew into his mouth and stung him midway through the contest.
Speaking to iFLTV about the extraordinary incident, Bakole said: ‘I can’t believe it, I’m surprised. Still coughing until now. It stung me in the ring.’
Bakole then pointed out where he had been stung before confirming ‘I swallowed it’.
Martin Bakole (pictured) revealed he swallowed a wasp during his fight with Carlos Takam
Bakole still went on to win the fight, stopping his opponent in the fourth round
His victory came on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s fight against Francis Ngannou that saw the Gypsy King knocked down in the third round before coming back to win on points
IFLTV interviewer Kugan Cassius was left stunned by Bakole’s story, and asked whether he had recovered from the dramatic event.
‘I was vomiting in my changing room. I think it is still here (points to throat) but I think I will be OK,’ Bakole responded.
The entire undercard in Riyadh was held outside before the main event was staged indoors in a separate arena.
No other fighters have complained about flying insects at this stage, but Bakole certainly handled the bizarre incident well as he took Takam apart over four rounds.
Takam is known for his durability, having previously taken Anthony Joshua 10 rounds in their world title fight in 2017.
But he had no answer to Bakole’s power this time as the referee mercifully jumped in to spare him of more damage.
Bakole was delighted after his victory and declared that he wanted to return to fight in Saudi Arabia, but he may be best asking for an indoor venue next time to limit the risk of being stung again.
