Joseph Parker made quick work of Martin Bakole in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to retain his WBO Interim Heavyweight Title.
Bakole flew 4,000 miles on two days’ notice to step in and face Parker when IBF World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois pulled out due to illness.
Whilst Parker had to re-focus his attention on a very different style and test, he could boast a full training camp, unlike Bakole, who was working towards a fight in May and showed the guts he has become known for by agreeing to take the fight.
Bakole looked content to take shots to land them, and did have success in marking up the New Zealander with his heavy hands. Parker, however, stayed confident in what he had prepared to do and was content on trading.
He landed a big overhand right in the second round that shook Bakole, knocking him off his equilibrium and, after a couple of seconds to register, the African giant stumbled and collapsed. Trainer Billy Nelson was quick to throw in the towel.
Questions will be asked as to the safety of taking the fight on such short notice and with a lengthy required travel. Bakole has been served the second loss of his career, and Parker continues his winning run over the division’s biggest punchers.
Here’s how some of the boxing world reacted to Kabayel’s standout performance:
Joseph Parker
"How about I fight for a world title next?!" – @joeboxerparker 🎤🇳🇿#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Feb 22, live NOW on DAZN: Click link in bio to buy | @Turki_alalshikhpic.twitter.com/efIYvM3UUS
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 22, 2025
Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn left stunned as he reacts to Joseph Parker knocking out Martin Bakole live on The Ring's watchalong.
📺 Tune in for the main event: https://t.co/mGAHoHc0nvpic.twitter.com/qdqYVhEqqd
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 22, 2025
Peter Fury
Training camps for a reason
— peter fury (@peterfury) February 22, 2025
Anthony Joshua
“100% you have to be surprised.
“I don’t just look at the fights that Parker’s had recently. The journey of Joseph Parker is one to be studied. How he’s risen to the top of the game, a slight setback – and in boxing you know how detrimental that is – and it takes a real man, a real man of courage and discipline, to come back and compete for the championship once again.
“He rose to the occasion. Credit to him and his team because he’s done an amazing job tonight.”
Claressa Shields
Riyahd is Joseph Parker lucky place!
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 22, 2025
Dillian Whyte
Bukakke got splattered
— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) February 22, 2025
Ariel Helwani
Wow. Parker wins via second-round TKO after Bakole’s corner says no mas.
I’m glad. Didn’t feel 100% comfortable with Bakole taking so many shots given his state.
Parker wins. Bakole gets the love.
Usyk x Parker next. He’s earned it.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 22, 2025
