Joseph Parker secured his interim WBO heavyweight title with a stunning second-round knockout of Martin Bakole during their bout held on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The match, which initially was supposed to feature Parker facing Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title, took an unexpected turn when Dubois withdrew due to illness just two days prior to the fight.
Stepping up as the last-minute replacement, Bakole, who arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, weighed in at 310 pounds, making his physical condition suspect compared to Parker’s 267-pound weight. While Bakole, ranked among the top five fighters by multiple boxing organizations, showcased some power, it was clear from the onset of the fight he was not at his best. Parker, on the other hand, looked strong and ready, showcasing his superior fitness early on.
The fight began cautiously, with both fighters probing each other. Parker was notable for his precise movements and strategy as he chose his moments wisely. Bakole managed to land some blows, but by the second round, the tide had turned decisively. A well-timed overhand right from Parker caught Bakole on the crown of his head, sending the challenger crashing to the canvas. He attempted to rise but, with his condition deteriorated, his corner swiftly waved off the contest, securing Parker's victory.
After the fight, Parker expressed gratitude toward Bakole for accepting the challenge on such short notice. “Thank you for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here,” Parker said. He then made it clear he was eager for another opportunity, aiming to fight for a world title soon. “Who’s next? Can I fight for the world title next?” Parker asked, eyeing unified champion Oleksandr Usyk as a potential future opponent.
Despite the loss, Bakole deserves credit for stepping up under pressure. This fight, which ended just 4 minutes and 50 seconds after it started, solidified Parker’s standing as he moves back to the title picture, possibly facing either Dubois or Usyk next. Prior to the match, Parker had spoken about his desire to compete for the championship and expressed confidence about facing tougher opponents.
Heading confidently toward what looks to be the next chapter of his boxing career, Parker emphasized his readiness to engage with any challenger. “I will fight anyone and everyone,” he proclaimed after the bout, affirming his willingness to take risks as exemplified by his acceptance of the match against Bakole on such narrow notice.
The fight had significant background, as Parker was originally slated to battle Dubois, and the switch to Bakole, who had only landed at the venue morning of the fight, added another layer of excitement and unpredictability. Bakole, though noted for his punching power, struggled to cope with the last-minute circumstances, which likely diminished his performance.
The swift conclusion of the bout last night highlighted both Parker’s punch selection and his tactical approach under the guidance of his trainer, Andy Lee. Parker restrained himself during the initial moments but demonstrated his readiness to deliver decisive strikes when openings appeared.
This latest victory brings Parker's record to 36 wins, 3 losses, with 25 of those victories coming by way of knockout, solidifying his reputation as one of the prominent figures within heavyweight boxing.
Looking forward, action awaits not just for Parker but also for Bakole, who, following this experience, will likely seek redemption. The nature of boxing often leads to quick comebacks, especially for fighters as capable as Bakole, who still holds significant promise for his future.
With Parker poised on the brink of another shot at the heavyweight title, the boxing world will eagerly watch his next moves and the potential matchups against elite fighters like Usyk and others.