- Martin Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) returns against unbeaten Nigerian Solomon Adebayo (15-0, 14 KOs) on the Fury vs Joshua undercard at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 11 December
- American prospect Da'Mazion Vanhouter (14-0, 11 KOs) opens the main card against Belgium's Michael Essomba (11-2, 10 KOs), with Jai Opetaia vs Deontay Wilder already confirmed as the co-main event
- My view: Bakole is levels above Adebayo and stops him inside six, while Vanhouter announces himself with a knockout
The Fury vs Joshua Undercard Takes Shape
Right then, the Fury vs Joshua undercard is starting to look like a proper night of heavyweight boxing. Two more fights have been added for Friday 11 December at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and both of them are in the big-man division.
Martin Bakole returns against unbeaten Solomon Adebayo, while 21-year-old American Da'Mazion Vanhouter opens the main card against Michael Essomba. That gives the Fury vs Joshua undercard four heavyweight fights including the main event, with Matchroom, Queensberry and Sela promising more to come.
Fury vs Joshua Undercard: Bakole vs Adebayo
Bakole Needs A Statement
Bakole is 21-2-1 with 16 knockouts. Before 2025 he was one of the most avoided heavyweights in the sport, and his stoppage of Jared Anderson in 2024 showed exactly why. Then it went wrong. He took a big fight on short notice in Riyadh and was stopped inside two rounds, and his only outing since was a disappointing night against a fellow contender. His spot on the Fury vs Joshua undercard is a lifeline. He is 33 now and has been out of the ring for well over a year. This is a big moment for him.
Adebayo Is A Step Into The Unknown
Adebayo is 15-0 with 14 knockouts from Lagos, Nigeria. That record is eye-catching, but it has been built against domestic opposition and he has not been near anyone like Bakole. He even has a fight booked in Nairobi on 28 November, which may well be pulled now that Cardiff has come calling.
Fury vs Joshua Undercard: Vanhouter vs Essomba
Vanhouter from St. Petersburg, Florida is 14-0 with 11 knockouts and, make no mistake, he has the look of a future star. Essomba is a Belgian puncher at 11-2 with 10 knockouts, so this is not a free hit. Opening the main card of the Fury vs Joshua undercard in front of a stadium crowd and a worldwide audience is a golden opportunity for a kid his age.
Fury vs Joshua Undercard Predictions
Let's not beat around the bush. Bakole is levels above Adebayo in experience, size and quality. If he has turned up in shape, I have him stopping Adebayo inside six rounds. Vanhouter to beat Essomba by knockout in the middle rounds, and he will announce himself on the biggest stage he has ever stood on.
Throw in Jai Opetaia moving up to face Deontay Wilder in the co-main and the Fury vs Joshua undercard is building nicely. For the main event between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, read my latest take here.