Martin Bakole will step up to the plate, replacing Daniel Dubois, to face Joseph Parker tonight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just three days before the fight. Dubois had been slated to defend his IBF heavyweight title but withdrew due to illness, prompting Bakole's last-minute decision to hop on a plane and seize the opportunity.
The 31-year-old Congolese fighter, often described as among the most avoided boxers today, is not yet as widely recognized as stars like Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury. Yet Bakole is well-regarded for being both dangerous and hard-hitting, with many considering him the dark horse of the heavyweight division. His recent track record only adds to this narrative; he is fresh off a spectacular fifth-round knockout victory over American prospect Jared Anderson, earning him significant titles like the WBO International and the vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight titles.
Martin Bakole's professional record currently stands at 21 wins, 1 loss, and 16 knockouts. On the other hand, his opponent Joseph Parker, the former WBO world champion, is experiencing a resurgence with five consecutive victories, aiming to bolster his standing and secure another title shot.
This highly-anticipated clash on February 22 forms part of the event dubbed The Last Crescendo, which also features the intriguing rematch between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev originally won their first bout by split decision, and the rematch promises added intensity.
With the undercard scheduled to kick off at 4:45 PM UK time and Bakole's fight set to begin around 9:40 PM, boxing fans worldwide will have multiple viewing options. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office, DAZN, and TNT Sports Box Office, with prices ranging from £19.95 to £19.99.
Bakole, training out of Glasgow under coach Billy Nelson, has been itching for opportunities to showcase his potential against names at the top of the sport. “This is about Martin Bakole, and this is about a man … taking a fight on two days’ notice against a top-five heavyweight. It’s unprecedented,” noted his promoter Ben Shalom, showcasing the fighter's tenacity.
Parker is also fully aware of the stakes involved. "Turning professional at 20 is very young, and being champion of the world at 24 ... this time it's different; I'm more mature, I understand what I'm doing and what I want. I want to be champion of the world,” he stated, underlining his ambition to avenge past losses and cement his legacy.
Both fighters have everything to fight for: Bakole hopes to leapfrog to title contention, with the WBO confirming the winner will face current champion Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight championship. For Parker, he aims to continue riding high on his recent surge and reclaim the title he once held.
Given Bakole's powerful fighting style, which has drawn comparisons to legendary figures like George Foreman, there's no underestimizing the challenge Parker faces. Former British heavyweight champion David Price echoed these sentiments, “Bakole is highly skilled, has a great engine and is a big, strong fighter.”
The buzz surrounding this match is palpable, as both fighters bring their unique motivations and fighting styles to the ring. Set against the backdrop of the illustrious Kingdom Arena, fans can expect not just fireworks between Bakole and Parker but also compelling storylines woven throughout the event, including the headline rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol.
This clash of heavyweights is as much about individual aspirations as it is about the title picture at large. Expectations are high: Bakole's last-minute entry could either cement his status as the division's rising star or highlight Parker's undeniable resilience. Tonight's fight is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
With the clock ticking down to fight night, the question on everyone’s minds is: Who will walk away victorious, and how will this bout shape the future of heavyweight boxing?