Boxxer, the British promotional company, and its principal, Ben Shalom, have responded to heavyweight Martin Bakole: "Boxxer would like to respond to recent public comments made by Martin Bakole. [He] 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 twelve 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 ring when he is next available to compete at the highest level."

Social media post from heavyweight Martin Bakole: "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." Bakole (21-2-1) has been inactive for eleven months since a draw with Efe Ajagba.