In an intriguing turn of events, Joseph Parker is set to face off with Martin Bakole this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Parker was all set to challenge for Daniel Dubois’ IBF World Heavyweight Title before the champion took ill during fight week and was pulled out. Enter Bakole, the self-proclaimed ‘most avoided man in the division’ – a tag many agree with – to take the challenge on two days’ notice.
Both men should be praised for accepting the new circumstances – Parker because he has prepared for a very different fighter and Bakole because he hasn’t prepared at all – and the match-up promises to be all-action.
Hall of Fame fighter Carl Froch has weight in on his YouTube channel, backing the New Zealander but only because the big man from the Congo may not be ready.
“Bakole’s jumped in as a late replacement. Now, Bakole gives Parker a tough fight every day of the week. I’d probably make Bakole the slight favourite [on a full camp]. I think Parker’s the favourite because it’s late, but I think it’s gonna be a great fight, but Bakole really I think is gonna be knackered. I think three or four rounds he’s gonna start to really feel the pace.”
‘The Cobra’ does hold Bakole in high regard, and then expressed an interest in seeing the fight with both men at 100%.
“When I watched him against Jared Anderson, he’s just got the skills hasn’t he. Little head movements just out the way as and when he wants, he picks his shots nicely, body and head. What he did with Anderson, I just thought ‘wow’ …
“That performance I think gives Joseph Parker serious problems, but the fact that he’s a late replacement is gonna make it an interesting fight. Don’t get me wrong, I like Joseph Parker, but I’d like to see the best version of Bakole and see how he copes with that. I think with it being a late replacement, it’s gonna tarnish it if Joseph Parker beats him.”
