In the realm of heavyweight boxing, Alexander Usyk stands out as a formidable force.
His ability to take on larger adversaries has earned him a reputation as one of the most effective fighters of his era.
Recent evidence of this prowess was displayed during his intense matchup against Tyson Fury, where Usyk not only held his ground but also delivered significant damage to the so-called Gypsy King after navigating through a challenging middle section of the fight.
Usyk’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
After establishing himself as the undisputed champion at cruiserweight, he recently achieved that same status in the heavyweight division, clinching victory by split decision.
This win, along with his triumphs over elite competitors like Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Derek Chisora, has led many boxing enthusiasts to regard him as unmatched among his contemporaries.
However, this perception may be challenged by the claims made by Martin Bacall, the WBA’s top-ranked boxer.
In a candid conversation with TalkSport, Bacall asserted that he knocked out Usyk during a training session, stirring the pot in the heavyweight scene.
“I prefer not to lie, therefore I don’t,” Bacall stated, emphasizing his integrity.
He recounted an incident where Usyk’s manager approached him during a live Sky Sports broadcast, proclaiming that Bacall would soon become a world champion.
Bacall’s assertion is bold, claiming that he delivered a body shot that rendered Usyk unconscious, leaving the Ukrainian unable to continue for a week.
This story raises eyebrows, especially considering Usyk’s own response to Bacall’s narrative, suggesting that not all tales from the ring should be taken at face value.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Bacall is gearing up for what he describes as the most significant challenge of his career.
He is set to face Jared Anderson, a rising American heavyweight prospect, on August 3rd.
This fight could serve as a litmus test for Bacall, proving whether his sparring stories hold any weight in the competitive ring.