Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter has denied claims that Martin Bakole knocked out his boxer in a bout.
Bakole is looking to have a successful year in the heavyweight arena, and recently attempted to spark the start of some rivalry by telling Sky Sports he has ‘stopped’ both Usyk and Daniel Dubois in duels.
The 18-1 boxer with 13 KOs claims he will struggle to get the fights he wants after making the mistake of showing his opponents how good he is in the gym.
“Even Usyk, I don’t think he would agree [to fighting me] because I stopped him in Dubai during a practice match. He knows how good I am. I don’t know if he will say yes again to fight me. I’m telling the truth.”
“Bakole is a wonderful kid. He was Usyk’s best workout partner in the last three training camps. But I heard he only stopped Usyk once and he stopped him from taking out Bakole.
Such is the nature of sparring stories, and the true events may never be known – one of the many reasons why most boxers prefer to keep quiet about what goes on in training camp. .
However, if Bakole has given Usyk his best work, it might be worth mending the relationship and putting on the gloves again.
The unified heavyweight champion has agreed to terms to face Tyson Fury to be crowned an undisputed heavyweight champion, and he’ll be looking to push his training camp to the limit against some of the big boys.
