"He Will Be the King of the Division" – Krassyuk Names Oleksandr Usyk’s Successor

Alexander Krassyuk, the promoter of two-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk, has identified the fighter he believes will take over the heavyweight division once Usyk steps away.

– Please, don’t forget about Bakole. He’s a real threat to everyone. Nobody wants to fight him, but I have great respect for Martin, and he knows that.

I believe that once Usyk retires, Bakole will become the king of this division.

– Is this opinion based on Bakole’s sparring with Usyk?

– I’ve seen Martin in sparring. There are different stories—some say he stopped Usyk, but I never witnessed that.

What I do remember is assisting in his corner—handing him water, seconding him in some of those sparring sessions.

I was surprised when I first saw him spar. I didn’t even know who he was.

The ring was tiny, maybe 4x4 meters—very cramped. And when Martin fought, I noticed his skills immediately. I didn’t know his name or where he was from, but I thought right away—this guy has an incredible future.

– Would Usyk fight him in the pros?

– I don’t think Alexander would fight Bakole for one simple reason—Martin doesn’t have a belt right now.

And if Usyk ever returns to boxing, it would have to be for something extraordinary, like another undisputed title fight, Krassyuk stated.

Bakole’s next opponent will be Efe Ajagba.