OLEKSANDR USAYK will spar Martin Bakole, as Anthony Joshua's rematch draws closer.
Bakole, who was once AJ's main sparring partner, is approximately the same height as the former world champion at 6ft 6in.
Oleksandr Usyk will spar Martin Bakole, before rematching Anthony Joshua
His trainer, Billy Nelson, was contacted by Usyk's Team to help with training camp.
Sky Sports spoke to Nelson: "I was contacted by Sky Sports regarding Martin sparring.
"I knew it was going to happen because they were super happy with Martin on the first occasion. I think Martin gave them some of the best sparring he has ever had.
"Usyk, his team, and Martin respect his talent to the point that one of his teams said Martin would become a world champion within the not too distant future."
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Bakole, 28 years old, made his name sparring Joshua, 32. He has since shared rounds in the division with every major name.
This includes Usyk (34), Tyson Fury (33) and Daniel Dubois (24) as well as Joe Joyce (36)
Bakole's most recent victory was over Tony Yoka (30 years old), the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in France. This is his largest win to date.
His next task could be to help Usyk beat his old friend AJ.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGSJoshua was defeated by the Ukrainian in September, and the pair will be rematching this summer.
Eddie Hearn, however, suggested that the fight could move to August instead of their original July 23 date.
He stated that the fight was definitely taking place, and the 23rd of December is the date everyone has agreed upon. Everyone is fine with this. Everything will be fine if we can agree on next week.
"The fight date and time are not problems. It is about the additional obligations of TV, press conferences, and promotion.
"Eight weeks before the baby arrives feels fine, but it becomes a problem once the baby is down to seven or six weeks.
Both fighters know that media tours must be completed within the next 10-14 days. We will need to push it back for a week or so.
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"If we go July 23, then we are nine week away. We need to announce next weeks, it must be next week.
"They will ask us to do a press tour, we would need to go to London and the Middle East, possibly even New York. So we really need to announce next Week."
