Tyson Fury spars with British heavyweight Martin Bakole ahead of Dillian Whyte to defend his world title

TYSON FURY has started training with Anthony Joshua’s pal Martin Bakole as he continues his preparations to face Dillian Whyte.

The Gypsy King will defend his WBC crown in a shock absorber heavyweight bout against his compatriot on April 23 at Wembley.

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The 33-year-old has signed several big names to help him prepare for Whyte at his training camp.

Jarod Anderson and David Adeleye are both used for sparring sessions with the 6ft 9in champion.

And he has also reached out to Bakole, who is good friends with bitter rival Joshua.

A photo of the pair in the ring and with their gloves on has now been shared from their base in Morecambe.

Heavyweight contender Bakole has previously rested both AJ and Oleksandr Usyk.

The Congolese powerhouse, 28, has won 17 times in his 18 professional fights, including 13 by KO.

The only stain on his record came against Michael Hunter in October 2018.

Bakole was used by Joshua on several occasions, with the two even becoming good friends.

The son of the ruler of Kananga province in Congo, Bakole has boxing and Irn Bru running through his royal blood, having moved to Scotland to chase his dreams.

When big brother Ilunga Makabu came to Goodison Park to take on Tony Bellew in 2016, Bakole came along and stayed in the UK before quickly becoming one of AJ’s most popular sparring partners.

But it didn’t stop him from joining Usyk’s camp in a bid to emulate AJ ahead of the Ukrainian’s win over AJ last September.

Now Fury is hoping the fighter, who has a similar build to Whyte, can help him bring down his fellow Englishman.

He was last in action a week before Usyk’s win at Tottenham when he defeated Haruna Osumanu by KO in the first round.

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