Eddie Hearn has had his say on the last-minute heavyweight contest between Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole.
For many months, New Zealander Parker has been in camp training for a fight with IBF world champion Daniel Dubois. However, around 48 hours before the first bell news emerged that the champion had taken ill and was pulled out of the fight.
Within a few hours, it was revealed that a late stand-in had been found in Bakole, who calls himself ‘the most avoided heavyweight on the planet.’
He is a big-hitting boxer who has stopped Carlos Takam and then knocked out American prospect Jared Anderson in his last two contests.
Although he was due to fight Efe Ajagba later this year, he was not currently in full camp but has still stepped up to this opportunity.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Hearn can see either man winning but sided with Parker to get his hand raised.
“Look, I think having seen Bakole in the last few days, he’s not always the fittest, and he’s not in camp, so you would have to favour Joseph Parker but Bakole is very dangerous especially early in the fight.
“He’s one of those guys who might look terribly out of shape but manages to have a good engine for 12 rounds. If he has that engine he’ll be very dangerous, but I do favour Parker.”
It is likely that whoever wins this intriguing match-up will be first in line for a shot at the IBF belt still in possession of the sidelined Dubois.
