Martin Bakole, who shared the ring with Tyson Fury ahead of his fights with Dillian Whyte and Francis Ngannou, has accused promoter Ben Shalom of ‘trying to ruin his career’

Martin Bakole has accused his promoter Ben Shalom of ‘trying to ruin his career’ in a startling statement posted on social media. The 32-year-old Congolese fighter, who served as a sparring partner for Tyson Fury before his bouts with Dillian Whyte and Francis Ngannou, insists he won’t hand Ben Shalom another penny.

Promoter Shalom became Britain’s youngest ever boxing promoter and established BOXXER at just 23 years old. Heavyweight Bakole features amongst the prominent names in Shalom’s stable, though hasn’t stepped into the ring since a draw with Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

That marked his second bout of the year following a defeat to Joseph Parker in a contest for the WBO interim heavyweight title in February.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

On X, Bakole stated: “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.”

However, Boxxer and Shalom were swift to respond, stating: “BOXXER would like to respond to recent comments made by Martin Bakole. Martin Bakole remains under contract with BOXXER.

“Throughout our promotional agreement, we have enjoyed a good relationship delivering major fights and securing career-high purses for him. We continue to work to secure the best possible opportunities for Martin, including a number of high-profile fights over the past 12 months, which he has either been unavailable for or declined.

“It is therefore disappointing to see these claims made publicly and as a result of third-party interference intended to cause damage. BOXXER remains fully committed to getting Martin back in the right when he is next available to compete at the highest level.”

Bakole, however, shared a screenshot of the statement on his own X account with a red cross drawn through it.

He subsequently appeared to draw a line under the dispute, writing: “I want to make one thing very clear: I have always respected every team I’ve worked with and I remain focused on my career, my future, and fighting at the highest level.

” My only priority has always been to stay active, take the biggest opportunities available, and give the fans the fights they want to see. I won’t go back and forth in public or get distracted by statements.

“My energy is on getting in the ring, proving myself, and becoming world champion. I appreciate everyone who supports me.

“The truth will always show itself through actions, not words. I’m ready for the next challenge. Let’s make the big fights happen.”

The latest DraftKings promo code gives new users $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. The SportsLine Projection Model projects the first losing streak for Atlanta in two months, backing the Cavaliers to win at -120 odds as a part of its Wednesday NBA best bets at DraftKings. Cleveland will host and is 25-14 at home this season. The over/under for total points scored in Hawks vs. Cavaliers is 236.5, the second-highest on the NBA odds board.

The model is also backing the Minnesota Timberwolves to cover as 6.5-point underdogs against the Orlando Magic when online sports betting on the NBA on Wednesday. Also, one of SportsLine’s top experts has locked in his pick on the Tigers vs. Twins in a 7:40 p.m. ET start for MLB best bets at DraftKings. Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins: 

Check out our DraftKings promo code review for full details.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered Week 25 on a sizzling 47-20 roll on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Wednesday best bets at DraftKings Sportsbook

• Cavaliers (-120) to defeat the Hawks 
• Timberwolves (+6.5) vs. Magic (-108)
• Tigers (-1.5) vs. Twins (+113)

Combining the three picks into a Wednesday parlay at DraftKings would result in a payout of +652 (risk $100 to win $652, odds subject to change). Claim $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 wager at DraftKings here:

Cavaliers (-120) to defeat the Hawks 

The Hawks aren’t the only NBA team playing strong basketball at the moment. Cleveland has won three straight games and five of its last six contests, entering Wednesday at 50-29, five games better than Atlanta’s 45-34 mark. The Cavaliers are 3-1 over their last four home games, and 25-14 in Cleveland overall this season as they prepare to host Atlanta. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks, 117-109, in November in their first meeting in Cleveland, improving to 5-1 over their last six head-to-head matchups in Ohio. The model projects another Cleveland home win over Atlanta, with the Cavaliers winning in 68% of simulations. Back the Cavaliers to win at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:

Timberwolves (+6.5) vs. Magic (-108)

The Timberwolves are coming off a 124-104 win over the Pacers on Tuesday, without Anthony Edwards in the lineup. So if Edwards (knee) remains out, Minnesota is still capable of keeping pace with the Magic. The Timberwolves (47-32) hold a four-game advantage over the Magic (43-36) this season, and Minnesota has the No. 7 scoring offense (117.6 points per game) in the NBA this season. The Magic are 12-17 against the spread as a home favorite this season, and the model projects the Timberwolves to keep pace with Orlando on Wednesday, with Minnesota covering in 67% of simulations. Back the Timberwolves to cover at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:

Tigers (-1.5) vs. Twins (+113)

“It’s been a brutal stretch for Detroit, even losing Tarik Skubal’s start last night. They have won all four games by double digits, though, and need a win badly here,” SportsLine expert Angelo Magliocca said. “Framber Valdez has pitched great in his first two starts, and Bailey Ober for the Twins has allowed six runs in eight innings across two starts. I don’t love how the Tigers’ offense has looked, but they are familiar with Ober and did score a couple runs once Taj Bradley was done stifling them last night. Minnesota had to unload the bullpen over the last couple games while Detroit has its top relievers well rested, gaining an advantage in later innings.” Back the Tigers at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:

Want more NBA and MLB picks on Wednesday?

You’ve seen some of the model’s Wednesday best bets. Now, get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including the NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, all from the model that’s simulated every game 10,000 times. 

New Delhi: Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

Gujarat Titans clinched a dramatic one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a match that went down to the final delivery, thanks to a nerve-jangling last over and a crucial moment of hesitation from David Miller. Chasing 211, Delhi Capitals fell agonizingly short at 209 for eight after Miller refused a single off Prasidh Krishna’s penultimate delivery, a move that ultimately handed the game to GT. The experienced Jos Buttler, who had taken off one glove, sent down a perfect direct hit, catching Kuldeep Yadav short of the crease. Shubman Gill, who had anchored Gujarat’s innings with a 70-ball half-century alongside Jos Buttler’s explosive 52 and Washington Sundar’s 55 off 32, felt the match hung in the balance right until the last ball. “Definitely, all the three games that we’ve played, have gone until the last over. But very pleased to get over the line in this one,” Gill said, reflecting on the tension-filled finish. On Miller’s refusal of the single, Gill admitted it swung momentum in GT’s favour. “When Miller didn’t take the run off the fifth ball, we have a chance to win,” he said. Discussing the choice of the final delivery, Gill praised Prasidh Krishna’s slower ball selection: “No, we were just discussing whether to go for the yorker or to go for the slower one. But given how the wicket is playing, a good slower one would be difficult to hit for a boundary.” Gill also highlighted the importance of fielding and the total posted. “Apart from the overthrows and boundary, every effort counts, especially in a game like this where you win by one run,” he said. “210 on this wicket was 10-15 runs above par. Even in the death overs, hitting the big boundaries wasn’t easy. We thought if we bowl well, we should be able to win this one.” For Gill, the victory was a mix of relief and satisfaction. “Yes, definitely. Now I just need to sleep and see how I wake up tomorrow,” he added. Gujarat Titans’ composure under pressure and Gill’s calm leadership proved decisive in a thriller that will be remembered for Miller’s dramatic miss and the Titans’ nerve to hold on.

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans finally got their first win of IPL 2026 after a dramatic last-over finish against Delhi Capitals. Chasing 211, Delhi fell just one run short despite a strong effort, ending at 209/8. The match turned on a crucial moment when David Miller refused a single late in the final over, a decision that proved costly.