RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Joseph Parker delivered a statement performance on Saturday night, knocking out Martin Bakole in the second round of their heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) secured a dominant victory by landing a powerful overhand right that sent Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) crashing to the canvas. Though Bakole managed to get back on his feet, his corner quickly intervened, stopping the fight and handing Parker an emphatic win.
A Fight with Many Unknowns
The bout carried plenty of uncertainty, as Bakole stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Daniel Dubois, who withdrew from the fight on Thursday night. Bakole only arrived in Riyadh in the early hours of fight day, making his preparation far from ideal.
Despite his renowned power and ability to trouble opponents, Bakole’s conditioning was a concern, and it became evident as the fight progressed. Parker, showcasing superior movement and strategy, bided his time before landing the decisive blow.
Parker Eyes Another World Title Shot
For Parker, the victory, while impressive, came with some disappointment. The original fight against Dubois was supposed to be a world title opportunity, and the late opponent switch robbed him of the chance to reclaim championship glory.
After the fight, Parker made his intentions clear in his post-fight interview.
“I want to say, who is next? How do I fight for a world title next?” Parker declared. “I want to fight for a world title. If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner, we’ll get [Frank Warren] in here. I want to fight for a world title, and I’d love to be champion of the world again.”
Parker reinforced his reputation as a fearless competitor, having taken on Bakole at such short notice and securing a convincing stoppage win.
Future Opponents Watching Closely
His dominant performance was witnessed by some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, including current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk and former two-time champion Anthony Joshua. Parker’s knockout victory serves as a reminder that he remains a top contender in the heavyweight landscape.
With this win, Parker not only bolstered his record but also strengthened his case for another shot at heavyweight gold.