Surging heavyweight boxer claims he knocked out both Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois in sparring: “I want a big fight"
Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades by beating Tyson Fury in May. He is without doubt the king of the division right now, but according to the surging Martin Bakole, he has already put Usyk on the canvas.
Bakole recently clashed with touted prospect Jared Anderson on the undercard of the highly anticipated clash between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford. With many, including Anderson, expecting to finish Bakole, he handed the American a thudding KO loss - the first of Anderson's career.
The Congolese pugilist secured his third consecutive stoppage finish to move to 21-1, and he is on the cusp of a world title fight against one of the division's elite.
During an interview with Sky Sports Boxing, the 31-year-old was asked to elaborate on his claim that he knocked out both Usyk and Daniel Dubois, who will take on Anthony Joshua for the IBF title later this year.
He said this:
"They never came back to say that I'm lying, because they know it's the truth. When you got to spar someone in the gym, you're not allowed to record it because if I was allowed, I was going to post the video. I'm happy, because no one said I was lying, so it's true. I don't lie, because I need a fight. I want a big fight. They are avoiding me now, they know the reason why."
Watch Bakole discuss sparring Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois below:
Oleksandr Usyk tells Tyson Fury not to be scared ahead of rematch
Tyson Fury was handed the first loss of his professional career against Oleksandr Usyk in May. But with a rematch clause placed in both fighters' contracts, the former WBC champion swiftly activated it in hopes of returning the favor to 'The Cat'.
The pair are scheduled to face off again in December, and ahead of the bout, Fury has claimed that his first fight with Usyk was "easy" and likened the Ukrainian to an amateur boxer.
'The Cat' has now responded to his upcoming opponent, telling Sky Sports Boxing:
"Okay, no problem. Next fight would be easy. For me? My fight would be hard... If Tyson said for him it will be easy, okay no problem... I see in Tyson Fury's eyes that it will not be easy. It will be hard."
Watch Oleksandr Usyk's response to Tyson Fury below (0:40):