Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole has been given a hero's welcome on his arrival back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a week on from his big win over Jared Anderson in Los Angeles. 

Bakole, who trains under coach Billy Nelson in Scotland, was paraded through the streets of Kinshasa as part of a motorcade that saw thousands flock to see him. 

Bakole stopped Anderson in the fifth round in the Riyadh Season event at the BMO Stadium on a bill headlined by Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov.

The 32-year-old, who fights under the Boxxer banner, is now within striking distance of a title shot.

Speaking after Bakole's victory over Anderson, Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said: “That was a devastating performance from Martin Bakole. The whole heavyweight division is now on notice. 

“Jared Anderson was brave, he showed a lot of heart, but Martin ground him down and finished him style. 

“There are a lot of big fights out there for him – the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, Zhilei Zhang, Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel. 

“Martin has been patient. He’s been working hard, waiting for his opportunity, and now, it’s his time. He’s ready to mix it with the best in the world. 

“I think Martin Bakole can beat anyone. He is going to cause everyone problems and he can become heavyweight champion of the world.”