But Bakole not only expects Fury to win their rematch in December, he expects him to do it by knockout.
“I was surprised [when Usyk beat Fury],” he explained. “I was not only surprised by Usyk, I was surprised by Tyson Fury’s performance. He was playing.
“He was supposed to be focused like he was in the Deontay Wilder rematch. If he takes that mentality in the rematch I think he will stop Usyk like he did with Deontay. Because the Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury rematch, we saw a different Tyson Fury, focused, coming to win.”
Bakole thought Fury’s showboating in the first Usyk fight was an ominous sign.
“Putting his hands behind his back, not moving, that is showing that you’re not focused. One round changed everything,” he said. “One left hook changed everything.
“I want him to be 100 per cent focused, not playing around.
“[Usyk] is coming 100 per cent focused to win the fight. So you need to be the same.”
Bakole is taking on a most dangerous opponent in American star Jared Anderson when they fight on Saturday in Los Angeles.
Much is expected of Anderson, who is widely touted as the USA’s next great heavyweight. But Bakole has warned that his opponent “will give up” in their fight.
“He’s never fought someone who’s fighting back. He’s never fought someone who’s coming forward,” Bakole declared. “His level is high, I respect him.”
But Bakole added: “He will give up and as soon as he starts boxing on the back foot, I will punish him.
“That is what is going to happen. I’m not going to test him, I’m going to fight him.
“He will not stand [and fight] because if he stands it’s a knockout.
“I’ve been in the ring with some people that are attacking me, giving me a fight. I’m used to it. But not him. Him, he’s used to controlling people, doing stuff he likes.
“I think he will give up, with my power, my strength.
“This means a lot. I want to be a champion.”
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