Joseph Parker, the WBO interim heavyweight champion from New Zealand, achieved a decisive victory by technical knockout against Martin Bakole during their bout held on February 22, 2024, at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Initially scheduled to face British fighter Daniel Dubois, Parker found himself up against Bakole at the last minute after Dubois had to withdraw due to illness.
The fight, which ended prematurely at the second round, showcased Parker’s dominance. From the outset, it became evident Bakole was out of shape and struggled to keep pace, weighing significantly more than expected at 140 kilograms. Despite his attempts to pressure Parker, it was clear he was not at his best. Early exchanges saw Parker land powerful hits, and it was during the second round when he delivered a solid blow to Bakole's head, sending him crashing to the canvas.
After barely managing to get up, Bakole was observed holding onto the ropes for support, but the referee called off the contest rather than risk his safety. This marked Parker's 36th professional win, bringing his record to 36-3 with 24 victories by knockout.
Parker's post-fight comments reflected his eagerness to secure another shot at the heavyweight title. He expressed indifference as to whether his next opponent would be the recovering Dubois or Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, stating, "I am ready for whoever. I want to fight for the title." With this victory, Parker reaffirmed his status as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division.
Bakole, now holding a record of 21-2, did not take the defeat lightly. Having experienced his second knockout loss, he appeared disappointed yet realizing the opportunity he stepped up to take on short notice. Observers noted his lack of conditioning as significant, as Parker capitalized on the openings created by Bakole's sluggishness. Reports described Bakole as having looked “bad, out of condition, slow and fat,” emphasizing the stark differences between the two fighters on the night.
The event was significant not only for Parker but also stood as part of a larger boxing card featuring key matchups, particularly the anticipated clash between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev for the unified light heavyweight title later the same evening. The night was packed with excitement as boxing fans gathered to see these high-stakes bouts, with Parker's performance setting the tone early on.
Parker's emphatic win served to underline the current state of the heavyweight division, where younger, assertive fighters are vying for supremacy. With plans for championship title matches on the horizon, Parker's name is back among the elite as he hunts for long-awaited recognition as world champion.
Parker's swift knockout of Bakole and his evolution as a fighter certainly captured the headlines, with many experts now wondering how this will influence his standing against other heavyweight contenders. Will he break through to secure the championship he desires, or will he face another roadblock against the top-tier competitors? Time will tell, but one thing is clear: Joseph Parker is back, and he means business.
With the heavyweight picture becoming increasingly competitive, Parker now looks toward his next opportunity, which he hopes will lead him directly to title contention. For Bakole, it's time to regroup and reassess, as the sport demands not only skills but also peak physical condition to compete at the highest levels.