Oleksandr Usyk Responds To Sparring Rumors: "Don't Believe Everything You Hear"

Photo: Oleksandr Usyk (Instagram)

There have been claims that Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion, was stopped by a body shot during sparring with Martin Bakole, who is currently ranked as the number one heavyweight by the WBA. Bakole and his trainer, Billy Nelson, have said multiple times that Bakole managed to stop Usyk in the gym.

Sparring stories like these often get passed around, but they are usually hard to prove. While some might be true, others are just rumors. Normally, what happens in the gym stays in the gym, but sometimes fighters talk about it or even show clips.

Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, is confident in the story, saying, "He stopped Usyk in sparring, so why would he not think he could beat him. It’s fact, it’s fact."

Photo: Oleksandr Usyk (Instagram)

This claim has led to more talk about whether Usyk is vulnerable to body shots. In a recent fight, Daniel Dubois targeted Usyk's body and even knocked him down, but the punch was ruled as a low blow.

The sparring session in question happened in Dubai in 2022, when Bakole was helping Usyk prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua. Usyk usually doesn’t comment on sparring stories, but he addressed this one, saying that people shouldn’t believe everything they hear.

“People can make up different stories, but people shouldn’t necessarily believe everything they hear. Do not forget that boxing is not only a sport, but also a show," Usyk said.

Usyk is currently focused on his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury in December, having already defeated him once in May. Meanwhile, Bakole recently secured a big win against American prospect Jared Anderson.

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Source: Seconds Out