Oleksandr Usyk has beaten Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois to cement himself as the best heavyweight of a generation.
The Ukrainian collected all four belts in the cruiserweight ranks before moving up to the top division to do the same, first winning three of the four major belts against ‘AJ’ and then beating Fury for the final piece of the puzzle.
Where he goes next is so far unclear, with Usyk himself stating he will take some well-earned time away before making a decision. One option is a rematch with Dubois, who currently holds the IBF belt and would present a chance to become two-time undisputed at heavyweight, however the young Brit has a stern test in Joseph Parker coming up which could ruin those plans.
Should Usyk look to the top contenders for a new challenge, Martin Bakole is waiting in the wings, though he told Sky Sports he believes the fight won’t happen due to a past sparring session.
“Usyk, I don’t think he’ll say yes because I stopped him in Dubai in sparring. He knows how good I am … I’m telling the truth.”
Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, recently told Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas on social media that his man was ‘the only danger’ to the 37-year-old.
“Egis Klimas, the only danger to Usyk is Martin Bakole. Your team all know this, that’s why you never mention him. Fight a real challenger not someone you’ve already schooled.”
Bakole has been ordered to face Efe Ajagba in a final eliminator for the IBF’s mandatory spot. The fight is yet to be made official.
