Oleksandr Usyk ‘Won’t Fight’ Number 1 Ranked Heavyweight After He ‘Stopped Him In Sparring’
Oleksandr Usyk has firmly established himself as the premier heavyweight boxer in the world, a claim substantiated by his recent achievements in the ring. The Ukrainian fighter, renowned for his exceptional skill and technique, secured his place in boxing history when he handed Tyson Fury his first professional defeat in May. This victory was significant not only for its personal triumph but also for its strategic implications. By defeating Fury, Usyk claimed the final major heavyweight title that had eluded him, thus becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. This accomplishment further solidified his illustrious career, which already includes an undisputed cruiserweight title.
Despite Usyk’s dominance in the heavyweight division, one of his top challengers, Martin Bakole, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of ever facing the Ukrainian in a professional bout. Bakole, who is currently ranked as the number one contender by the WBA, has made it clear that he is eager for a world title opportunity within the next year. His recent performance has garnered considerable attention, particularly after his impressive knockout victory over the highly-touted American fighter, Jared Anderson.
Bakole has been vocal about his belief that Usyk might be reluctant to fight him. According to Bakole, this reluctance stems from a previous sparring session where he claims to have defeated Usyk. In a candid statement made to Sky Sports, Bakole remarked, “Usyk, I don’t think he would say yes [to fighting me] because I stopped him as well in Dubai in sparring. He knows how good I am, so I doubt he’ll say yes. I’m telling the truth!” This assertion has been supported by Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, who also provided additional context to the claim.
Nelson has underscored the credibility of Bakole’s statement by highlighting that Bakole has sparred with several top fighters, including Fury, Joshua, and Usyk, and has held his own in these high-profile sessions. According to Nelson, Bakole’s sparring session with Usyk was particularly notable because Bakole managed to stop Usyk, which he argues demonstrates Bakole’s potential to secure a victory in a formal bout. Nelson’s confidence in Bakole’s ability is reflected in his insistence that Bakole’s sparring success against Usyk is a factual occurrence. He challenges anyone to provide evidence to the contrary, questioning whether Usyk has ever publicly denied the incident.
As Bakole continues to vie for a title shot, the heavyweight division is set for significant matchups in the near future. Usyk is scheduled for a rematch with Tyson Fury in December, a bout that will not only be a critical moment for both fighters but also for the overall landscape of the division. Additionally, Anthony Joshua is slated to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF title in September, a fight that will further influence the hierarchy within the heavyweight ranks.
In conclusion, while Usyk’s status as the undisputed heavyweight champion is firmly established, the intrigue surrounding potential future matchups continues to grow. Bakole’s assertion about his sparring success against Usyk adds an interesting layer to the ongoing discourse about the top contenders in the heavyweight division. As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming fights, the prospect of Bakole challenging Usyk remains a topic of considerable interest.
