Usyk Gears Up to Face Tyson Fury, But Who’s Actually Calling Him Out? An Unseen Battle with Shocking Twists Unveiled!
Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, is preparing for one of the most anticipated trilogy fights in boxing history against Tyson Fury. But while the world watches the countdown to this epic showdown, a surprising voice has emerged from the shadows—Martin Bakole, Usyk’s former sparring partner, claiming he once gave the champion serious trouble behind closed doors.
Usyk’s Historic Rise: From Cruiserweight to Heavyweight King
Oleksandr Usyk has been on a remarkable journey. Transitioning from an undisputed cruiserweight champion to heavyweight glory, Usyk has rewritten boxing history. Earlier this month, he stunned fans worldwide by stopping Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, solidifying his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. This victory was not just another win—it was a statement that Usyk’s skill, agility, and ring IQ remain unmatched in the heavyweight division.

Despite fierce competition, including bouts with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Usyk remains undefeated in his heavyweight run. Joshua, Fury, and Dubois combined have failed to topple the Ukrainian southpaw in six attempts. His seamless style, quick footwork, and tactical mastery make him a unique force in a division often dominated by power punchers.
Enter Martin Bakole: The Unexpected Challenger from the Shadows
While Usyk prepares for Fury, Martin Bakole—a name less familiar to casual fans—has stepped into the spotlight with a bold claim: he has troubled Usyk in sparring sessions. Bakole is not just talking; he paints a vivid picture of grueling training rounds that many never see.
Bakole said, “Every time I spar with Usyk, I give him problems. They only allow two rounds, but those two rounds feel like hell for him.” He recounts a particularly intense first session where Usyk was pushed to his limits, even to the point of frustration. “He jumped out of the ring shouting at his coach. He was bleeding everywhere,” Bakole revealed, a striking image that contrasts sharply with Usyk’s polished public persona.
In a second sparring session held in Dubai, Bakole said Usyk was “in trouble” again during those brief but brutal two rounds.
Why This Sparring Story Matters
At first glance, Martin Bakole’s record might not scream “top contender.” He suffered a knockout loss to Joseph Parker earlier this year and managed only a draw against Efe Ajagba in May. However, what makes this sparring story significant is the insider glimpse it offers into Usyk’s preparation and vulnerabilities.
Sparring partners play a crucial role in boxing camps. They mimic the styles of upcoming opponents, push champions to their limits, and reveal weaknesses that footage alone cannot. If Bakole’s claims hold truth, it shows that even the best fighters like Usyk face moments of intense challenge.
Bakole’s candid recounting of Usyk’s reaction, especially the frustration and physical toll, offers fans a rare, humanizing perspective on a fighter often seen as nearly flawless.
The Implications for the Upcoming Fury Trilogy
With the highly anticipated trilogy fight against Tyson Fury looming ever closer, this recent sparring revelation involving Oleksandr Usyk raises significant questions about potential vulnerabilities. Could Usyk’s reported past sparring difficulties serve as early signs of weaknesses that Fury, a fighter renowned for his size, reach, and psychological warfare, might seek to exploit in the ring?
Fury is known for meticulously analyzing every detail of his opponents’ style and habits. Therefore, any insight into Usyk’s sparring sessions could provide Fury’s camp with critical information to refine their game plan. Although Usyk’s camp has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of these sparring sessions, the account from his former sparring partner Bakole only adds fuel to the growing intrigue and speculation surrounding this monumental fight.

This new information might not only influence the mental preparation and strategic adjustments Usyk needs to make but could also empower Fury’s team to approach the trilogy with a fresh, targeted strategy. As the fight date approaches, both camps will undoubtedly be evaluating every piece of intel, making this sparring revelation a potentially pivotal factor in the outcome of the upcoming Fury vs. Usyk trilogy showdown.
What Experts Say About Sparring Challenges
Boxing analysts stress that sparring is never a perfect simulation of fight conditions. However, the intensity and pressure moments during sparring can reveal cracks in a fighter’s armor.
Some experts argue that Bakole’s ability to “give trouble” to Usyk is a testament to his own skill and toughness, even if his competitive record doesn’t match the claim. Others point out that champions often face uphill battles in sparring to stay sharp, and Usyk’s reactions might be more about high standards than real weakness.
Martin Bakole’s Role in the Heavyweight Division
Though less decorated, Bakole’s outspoken nature and bold statements position him as a wildcard in the heavyweight scene. His experience sparring Usyk and his recent bouts indicate he is a fighter with raw talent who has yet to fully translate that into major wins.
Whether or not Bakole becomes a serious contender in the near future, his revelations have successfully inserted him into the ongoing narrative surrounding Usyk and Fury.

Final Thoughts: Behind the Scenes Drama as Boxing’s Biggest Fight Nears
The Usyk vs. Fury trilogy is shaping up to be a defining moment for heavyweight boxing. While fans focus on official fight promotions and press conferences, Bakole’s sparring revelations offer an intriguing subplot—a glimpse into the grueling training camps and mental battles that happen out of the spotlight.
Usyk’s toughness and resilience are unquestionable, but even champions have moments where they face real adversity. Martin Bakole’s candid accounts remind us that behind every victorious fighter is a story of struggle and challenge.
As the boxing world waits for the next chapter in the Usyk-Fury saga, one thing is clear: this fight will not only be a battle in the ring but a test of endurance, skill, and heart forged in the unseen battles of the training gym.


