Martin Bakole stepped up at incredibly late notice to face Joseph Parker as a stand in replacement for Daniel Dubois, who had fallen ill with a virus less than 48 hours before the first bell.
The African giant was not in camp but was on a good run of form that had very much put him in the picture at world level. In his last two fights, he stopped tough Frenchman Carlos Takam and then knocked out the in-form US prospect Jared Anderson.
Parker has also built up good momentum in recent fights. His last two contests have seen him beat Zhilei Zhang on points and also American puncher Deontay Wilder in the same fashion.
On Saturday night, Bakole looked dangerous early but was caught by a big shot from Parker on the top of his head towards the end of the second round. It sent him wobbling backwards towards the canvas and, despite rising to his feet, he was unsteady and the contest was over when trainer Billy Nelson pulled his man out.
Speaking to Seconds Out after the fight, Bakole revealed that his 2AM arrival on fight day, followed by some media interviews and a general lack of sleep, saw him doze off hours before he was set to walk to the ring.
“I was sleeping in the changing room. I fell asleep. My coach woke me up and said, ‘hey, come on, we know this is a big sacrifice.”
He then revealed his motivation for taking the fight at such short notice and without being in camp – a move that has been criticised by the promoter Eddie Hearn, though not aimed at Bakole but rather his team for striking the deal.
“I have a family, I have to look after my kids. I’m doing this for a living. I had an opportunity to get something for my family so I jumped at it.”
Bakole has confirmed that a scheduled fight in May with Efe Ajagba should still go ahead, despite it now not being an IBF Final Eliminator.
As for Parker, he moves ahead well deserving of a world title shot after beating three of the divisions hardest hitters.
