Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, has finally opened up about the grueling training session with Martin Bakole that left fans and insiders buzzing with speculation. The sparring session, which took place in preparation for one of Joshua’s recent fights, has been the subject of much discussion, with rumors suggesting that Bakole, a Congolese heavyweight contender, got the better of the British star.

In a candid interview, Joshua revealed the details of what actually transpired during that infamous session. According to Joshua, the sparring was intense, as expected when two elite fighters step into the ring, but it wasn’t the one-sided affair that some reports made it out to be.

“Training is always tough, and that’s the point,” Joshua explained. “You push yourself to the limit to make sure you’re ready for anything in the ring. Martin is a strong, talented fighter, and we had a hard session, but that’s what sparring is about—challenging yourself and learning.”

Joshua went on to clarify that while Bakole did land some solid shots, the session was far from a disaster. “People like to sensationalize things. Yes, Martin got in some good work, but that’s what he’s supposed to do. Sparring isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about preparing yourself for fight night.”

Joshua also addressed the speculation that the session shook his confidence, especially with several high-profile fights on the horizon. “I’ve been in the ring with the best, and I’ve faced adversity before. What happened in sparring with Martin was just part of the process. It’s about testing your limits, learning from every situation, and coming out stronger.”

Bakole, who has been making waves in the heavyweight division, also weighed in on the session, praising Joshua’s professionalism and determination. “AJ is a great champion, and we both pushed each other that day. It was tough, but that’s what we both needed to be at our best.”

The revelation from Joshua puts to rest some of the more exaggerated claims surrounding the sparring session. It highlights the reality of boxing training at the elite level, where even the best fighters are constantly tested and pushed to their limits. For Joshua, this was just another step on his journey to reclaiming his spot at the top of the heavyweight division, proving once again that he’s not afraid to face challenges head-on, whether in the gym or in the ring.