Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter is sure that Martin Bakole is the “next Heavyweight Champion”

Oleksandr Usyk has firmly cemented himself as one of the best heavyweights of his generation, having dominated the division after a remarkable run as the undisputed cruiserweight champion. While Usyk’s career continues to shine, his promoter, Alex Krassyuk, believes there’s a new heavyweight on the rise—Martin Bakole. Here’s why Krassyuk has such high hopes for Bakole and what the future of the heavyweight division may look like.

Usyk’s Legacy: From Cruiserweight Champion to Heavyweight Dominance

Oleksandr Usyk transitioned into the heavyweight division after establishing himself as the undisputed cruiserweight champion. His heavyweight debut was a warm-up match against Chazz Witherspoon, which set the stage for more challenging opponents. In his next fight, Usyk faced Derek Chisora, known for his tough and aggressive style. Despite Chisora’s strength, Usyk won by unanimous decision, showing that he could handle the power of heavyweights.

Usyk’s most significant triumphs came when he faced Anthony Joshua in two high-profile bouts. In their first fight, Usyk defeated Joshua to claim the unified heavyweight titles and followed it up with a dominant performance in the rematch, retaining his belts. His reign continued when he stopped Daniel Dubois in his second title defense. Usyk’s exceptional skills and victories have made him one of the top names in boxing, with a potential undisputed clash against Tyson Fury still looming.

Alex Krassyuk’s Prediction: Martin Bakole as the Future Heavyweight Champion

Despite Usyk’s dominance, Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, believes that the future of the heavyweight division lies in the hands of Martin Bakole. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Krassyuk confidently stated that Bakole is “the next champion.” Bakole, a heavyweight from the Democratic Republic of Congo now training in Scotland, has earned praise for his strength and raw talent.

“He’s the next champion. For sure. Martin Bakole is one of the strongest heavyweights at this stage now,” Krassyuk noted. However, Krassyuk also pointed out that Bakole’s lack of discipline in the past has held him back. “As soon as discipline comes into his training camp, this guy is the future of heavyweight boxing,” Krassyuk added, emphasizing the importance of focus and consistency.

Bakole’s Path to a Title Shot: Key Fights and Challenges Ahead

Martin Bakole’s journey to a title shot is steadily progressing, despite not having a wealth of high-profile bouts. His statement win over Jared Anderson helped him gain recognition, as Anderson was considered a rising star in the heavyweight division. Bakole’s victory in this fight solidified his reputation as a serious contender.

Looking ahead, Bakole is set to face Efe Ajagba in a final eliminator in May, which will determine the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title. This match is critical for Bakole’s title aspirations. A win would put him in prime position to challenge for a world title and could lead to an eventual showdown with Dubois or Usyk for the undisputed title.

Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker: The Next Big Heavyweight Clash

Before Bakole can move forward, Daniel Dubois has his own critical fight ahead. On February 22, Dubois will defend his IBF heavyweight title against former world champion Joseph Parker. Parker has the experience and skills to provide a significant challenge for Dubois, making this an important fight for the division.

If Dubois successfully defends his title, he could face the winner of Bakole vs. Ajagba, setting up a potential championship clash. On the other hand, if Parker pulls off an upset, he may become a key figure in the heavyweight scene, possibly fighting Bakole for the title or even challenging Usyk for the undisputed crown.

The Future of Heavyweight Boxing: Usyk, Bakole, and the Title Race

With Usyk nearing the end of his career and emerging stars like Martin Bakole on the rise, the future of heavyweight boxing looks bright. Usyk’s potential fight with Tyson Fury is still a major storyline, but the emergence of fighters like Bakole could shake up the division. Krassyuk’s confidence in Bakole’s abilities shows that the Congolese heavyweight has the potential to dominate—if he can stay disciplined and focused.

As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, and Martin Bakole will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the sport. The next few years could see a new champion rise and fresh rivalries develop, with Usyk potentially defending his titles or making way for the next generation to take control of the heavyweight division.