Joseph Parker scored a swift and decisive knockout victory against Martin Bakole during the WBO Interim World Heavyweight title fight held early this morning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parker, the New Zealand heavyweight, delivered an overhand right punch, dropping Bakole to the canvas just two rounds after the fight commenced.
Bakole, who remarkably took the fight on just 48 hours’ notice, faced significant odds, arriving weighing 140 kg—nearly 20 kg heavier than Parker. With Bakole draped in a makeshift robe fashioned from the Congolese flag, it was apparent this would be no easy bout for him. The common consensus leading up to the fight was Parker, utilizing his superior fitness, would aim to stretch the fight out to the later rounds. Yet, he had different plans.
After feeling sluggish during the opening round, Parker capitalized on Bakole’s slower movement, effectively finishing the bout before Bakole could mount any significant defense. The speed and precision of Parker’s assault proved too much for Bakole, marking the quickest finish since Parker’s first-round knockout of Daniel Martz back in 2015.
Post-fight, Parker expressed gratitude to Bakole for stepping up to the challenge under such short notice. "Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the challenge," Parker stated. "I went out, listened to Andy [Lee, his trainer]...I’m fit, I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m sharp. The best way was the overhand right." With this comment, Parker conveyed both his confidence and sound preparation leading up to the fight.
Having successfully navigated this match, Parker reaffirmed his ambition to contend for the world championship title. "How can I fight for the world title? If Usyk wants a dance partner I’ll talk to Uncle Frank [Warren, Usyk’s promoter]," he said after the bout, calling out current WBA, WBO, and IBA champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker had initially been slated to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF title but was forced to pivot quickly when Dubois withdrew just days prior, citing unspecified illness.
Dubois’ withdrawal raised eyebrows, with speculation surrounding whether it was strategic to pave the way for his own upcoming unification bout against Usyk. Nevertheless, Parker remained optimistic and noted, "I will fight anyone and everyone. Saudi Arabia has been amazing, four fights, four wins." His focus now shifts to what could come next, capitalizing on the victorious moment.
Overall, the fight ended with Parker’s emphatic statement and displayed his readiness to rise to the championship challenge, underscoring both his skill and willingness to take on top contenders. Fans and analysts alike are now left anticipating his next move as the heavyweight division remains dynamic and competitive.