Joseph Parker achieved a stunning yet swift victory over Martin Bakole during the co-main event of "The Last Crescendo" boxing card held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2025. Initially slated for a showdown against Daniel Dubois, Parker found himself facing Bakole after Dubois withdrew due to illness just two days prior to the event.
Talk about last-minute changes! Martin Bakole, with only 48 hours to prepare, stepped up to take on the former WBO heavyweight champion. This unexpected twist set the stage for what promised to be an explosive encounter.
The bout unfolded quickly. After taking the first round to gauge his opponent's approach, Parker unleashed his speed and technique, proving to be too much for Bakole. The New Zealander, boasting 35 wins with 23 by knockout, established his dominance early on.
Bakole, known for his considerable power—having 20 victories with 15 by KO—was seemingly unable to keep pace with Parker. Despite his physical advantages, including having fought heavier than ever at around 140 kg, Bakole lacked the conditioning necessary to compete effectively. By the second round, after connecting with a powerful right hand, Parker delivered the decisive blow, sending Bakole to the canvas.
Referee Steve Gray intervened, deeming Bakole unable to continue after he got on his feet but showed signs of disorientation. Parker's TKO victory came just shy of the two-minute mark in the second round, illustrating not only his readiness but also his resolve to stay at the top of the heavyweight rankings.
This fight marked Parker's sixth consecutive win, underscoring his impressive performance since fighting Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in 2023. "Parker quickly took control of the match, demonstrating his superior skill and speed," noted ActuMMA. His win on Saturday lent weight to his case for challenging for the heavyweight title again—against none other than Oleksandr Usyk.
The stakes were high for both fighters, but Bakole's brief notice made his task Herculean. With his prior fight pushed back to May against Efe Ajagba, he faced this challenge without proper training, arriving late before the championship bout. Nevertheless, the financial upside was notable; Bakole walked away with $5 million for his efforts, giving him some consolation after the setbacks.
Parker's performance inspired hopes of bigger matchups moving forward. "He can now target a significant showdown with Oleksandr Usyk," said ActuMMA. For the New Zealander, who regained momentum with this victory, the canvas of heavyweight boxing might soon feature him alongside some of the most prominent champions.
With this bout firmly under his belt, the boxing world eagerly anticipates Parker's next steps. Will this victory set the stage for another title shot against Usyk? Can Bakole rebound from this setback? Only time will tell, but Saturday night showcased the talent and determination of Joseph Parker as he solidifies his place among the elite heavyweights today.