Martin Bakole has spoken about the events leading up to his fight with Joseph Parker this past weekend.
The main heavyweight battle out in Saudi Arabia was supposed to be Daniel Dubois’ defence of his IBF world title against Parker.
However, with under two days to go, Dubois came down with a virus and was pulled from the fight.
Rather than scrap the contest, Bakole was called in as a last-minute replacement. Although he was not in camp, he has always backed himself against the best having proven himself to be a menace in sparring.
He has also put together a good recent run of results and has stopped Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson in his last two contests.
Speaking to Seconds Out, he revealed how he initially said it ‘wouldn’t be possible’ but that the money on offer made it worth the risk.
“Coach Billy called me and said Daniel Dubois is off, he’s sick and they asked me if you can replace him if you can make it from Congo to Saudi Arabia. I said stop joking, I said that’s not possible.
He said you have two options. His Excellency promised us three fights this year and he said you’re the only man who can save the show. It’s a risk, you’re not in the camp, but there’s the money and there’s risk, you choose. I need money and the money was good so I said yes, I’m ready to go.”
Although Bakole troubled Parker early the New Zealander, off of a full camp, proved too much. The former WBO champion landed a big right hand in the second round which was enough to destabilise Bakole and send him down to the canvas.
He rose to his feet but on steady legs and so the contest was halted, handing Parker the stoppage victory.
