Oleksandr Usyk drafts in sparring partner with 'better skills' than Anthony Joshua

Ahead of their rematch, Oleksandr Usyk believes he has brought in the perfect sparring partner for his second fight with Anthony Joshua. WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk has chosen Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole to join him once again in his training camp.

Bakole previously helped Usyk prepare for his first fight with Joshua in September and received high praise from the Ukrainian's camp.

"I was contacted during the week regarding Martin sparring again," Bakole's trainer Billy Nelson told Sky Sports. "I knew that was going to happen anyway because they were super happy with him on the first occasion, I think Martin gave them the best sparring he's had. Usyk and his team respect his skill to the extent that one of his team said Martin will become a world champion in the not-too-distant future."

Bakole, who has regularly been used by Joshua as one of his main sparring partners, is the same height as AJ at 6ft 6ins, and according to his trainer has a better skill set as well.

"I'd say Martin's skill set is better than Anthony Joshua's," said Nelson. "Joshua probably punches harder than Martin, but Martin's output is much higher along with his variety of punches."

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