Martin Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, says he plans to bring in a nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach to help Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) improve his fitness after his latest performance. The heavyweight contender Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) looked too heavy at 299 lbs to cut off the ring against a beatable Efe Ajagba last Saturday in Riyadh, and was lucky to get a 12-round draw.

Vegetarian Mystery

Interestingly, Nelson claims that Bakole is a “vegetarian.” How in the world has he gained so much weight being a strict vegetarian? Is he eating an entire field of collard greens?

Bakole weighed a portly 310 lbs in his previous fight against Joseph Parker last February and was blown out in two rounds. Fans gave Martin a free pass for being in such horrible shape because he was brought in on short notice as a replacement opponent. However, he was supposed to lose a lot of weight after that, but he didn’t.

Since 2020, Bakole’s weight has skyrocketed from 251 lbs to 310, and it’s pretty obvious that his situation is looking bleak. For him not to take off a whole bunch of weight after being starched by Parker, it shows that he’s having serious problems with his eating and lack of conditioning.

“Whether Martin likes it or not, we’re getting a nutritionist. I am going to hire a nutritionist. The problem is that people don’t understand that Martin is a vegetarian,” said trainer Billy Nelson to Ring Magazine. “He’s stubborn. He doesn’t eat much British food other than African Congolese food. He buys it in certain shops in Glasgow.”

Nelson doesn’t say what kind of food Bakole buys in these Glasgow shops. Perhaps they have Congolese candy and sweet pies that Bakole has been buying along with his veggie food? Unless Nelson is with Martin, how does he know whether he’s stocking up with some goodies in addition to his greens?

“A nutritionist will help, undoubtedly. He’s got to be strict. Much more strict and disciplined with himself. But I’m also bringing in an American strength and conditioning coach. I think that would be very beneficial for Martin,” said Nelson.

Expecting the Worst

Getting a nutritionist and strength coach is a good start for Bakole. But what he needs is to have one of them live with him and have the kitchen locked at all times, giving him no access to the food. He needs to be monitored at all times to keep him from raiding the refrigerator night and day. Sign him up with Food Addicts Anonymous to get some extra help. I hate to say it, but it doesn’t look good for Bakole.