Joseph Parker needed just two rounds to knock out Martin Bakole, the top-tier heavyweight who stepped in at the last minute to replace Daniel Dubois, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
Bakole, travelling from Kinshasa, DR Congo, had no time to prepare when Dubois fell ill just two days before the fight.
Despite the late notice, Bakole, a well-ranked heavyweight, agreed to fight Parker for the WBO Interim title.
The bout started with Parker controlling the pace, landing a consistent jab on the 310 lb Bakole.
However, just before the end of the first round, Bakole landed a solid right hand, briefly shaking Parker. The fighters tapped gloves, and Bakole celebrated what he felt was a good start.
By the second round, Bakole pressed forward, launching heavy punches at Parker’s body and head. Yet, Parker remained calm and composed, carefully timing his punches.
In a flash, Parker’s right hand clipped Bakole on the head, causing his legs to buckle. Bakole fell to the canvas, struggling to regain his balance.
Though he attempted to use the ropes to recover, the referee stopped the fight at 2:17 of the second round, declaring Parker the winner.
After the fight, Parker expressed gratitude to Martin Bakole for stepping in on short notice while acknowledging his preparation. “I stayed calm, structured, composed, and got the victory,” Parker said.
With the WBO Interim title in his hands, Parker is expected to be a challenger for the world title, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
“I want to fight for a world title; I want to be champion of the world again,” Parker declared after the fight.
