Joseph Parker Secures Second-Round Knockout Victory Over Martin Bakole in Riyadh
Joseph Parker delivered a stunning second-round knockout victory over Martin Bakole in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night. The fight, which took place at the ANB Arena, was originally scheduled to feature Parker against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. However, Dubois withdrew just two days prior due to a viral infection, prompting Bakole to step in on short notice.
Bakole, a top-tier heavyweight from the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in Riyadh early on Saturday morning after a whirlwind journey from Kinshasa. Despite the late call-up, he entered the ring with determination, weighing in at 310lbs. Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, remained composed and patient, jabbing diligently in the first round before landing a decisive right hand in the second. The punch clipped Bakole high on the head, sending him to the canvas. Although Bakole attempted to rise, the referee stopped the fight at 2:17 of the second round.
Parker, who now holds the WBO Interim title, expressed gratitude to Bakole for accepting the challenge on such short notice. “I stayed calm, structured, composed, and got the victory,” Parker said post-fight. He also reiterated his ambition to reclaim a world title, calling out unified champion Oleksandr Usyk for a future bout.
The fight was part of a blockbuster Riyadh Season bill, headlined by the undisputed light-heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. While Dubois’ withdrawal was a disappointment for British fans, Parker’s emphatic victory ensured the event remained a spectacle. Bakole, despite the loss, demonstrated his resilience and remains a highly regarded contender in the heavyweight division.
Joseph Parker ends Martin Bakole's fairy-tale title bid with crushing knockout in second round
Martin Bakole replaced Daniel Dubois suddenly, but Joseph Parker dispatched him in two rounds before the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch for u
www.skysports.com
Why is Daniel Dubois not fighting Joseph Parker tonight?
IBF heavyweight champion out of title defence as Martin Bakole gets late call up in Riyadh
www.standard.co.uk
Dubois vs Parker: British world champion out of fight with illness
Heavyweight Daniel Dubois' world title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday is off after the champion fell ill.
www.bbc.com
Joseph Parker stops stand-in Martin Bakole in two rounds for crushing win
New Zealander comfortably beat Martin Bakole, who was a late replacement for Daniel Dubois
www.theguardian.com
Beterbiev vs Bivol LIVE: Updates and undercard results as Parker battles Bakole
On a thrilling night of boxing in Riyadh, Dmitry Bivol captured the undisputed light heavyweight titles and revenge against Artur Beterbiev in a thril
www.independent.co.uk
Joseph Parker flattens Bakole after short-notice step-in and 3,800-mile flight
Joseph Parker knocked out last-minute stand-in Martin Bakole in the second round on Saturday night after a heroic effort. All the odds were stacked ag
talksport.com
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates from huge card
JOSEPH PARKER stopped Martin Bakole in two-round belter in Saudi Arabia! Parker was due to face Daniel Dubois for DDD’s IBF world title, but the Briti
www.thesun.co.uk
Relive Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Boxing UK time, undercard fights, Joseph Parker, win, results & radio commentary
Live text updates and radio commentary of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol & Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia.
www.bbc.co.uk