Oleksandr Usyk is now undoubtedly the number one heavyweight in the world, but one top contender says the Ukrainian won’t face him after what happened in sparring.

Usyk further cemented his legacy in the sport when he handed Tyson Fury his first career defeat back in May, capturing the final major heavyweight title in the process and becoming undisputed having already done so at cruiserweight.

One man who wants to take Usyk’s spot at the top of the division is WBA number one ranked fighter Martin Bakole. The giant Congolese heavyweight is coming off his best victory, an upset knockout over much hyped American, Jared Anderson.

Bakole has made it clear he wants a world title shot within the next 12 months, but had previously told Sky Sports that he doubts Usyk will ever face him in the ring having ‘stopped’ him in sparring.

“Usyk, I don’t think he would say yes [to fighting me] because I stopped him as well in Dubai in sparring. He knows how good I am so I doubt he’ll say yes. I’m telling the truth!”

In an interview with IFL TV, Bakole’s trainer Billy Nelson backed up his fighter’s claim.

“He’s sparred Fury, Joshua and Usyk and held his own each and every time.

He stopped Usyk in sparring, so why would he not think he could beat him. It’s fact, it’s fact. I mean have you ever heard Usyk saying it never happened?”

Bakole might have to wait a little longer for his shot at a belt, with Usyk set to rematch Fury in December whilst Anthony Joshua will challenge newly-elevated Daniel Dubois for his IBF title in September.