Joseph Parker has a shock new opponent on Saturday.
Parker was set to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Disaster struck on Thursday when it was announced that Dubois was suffering from illness and was being evaluated by a doctor, with it now officially confirmed that the Brit is out of the title fight.
A number of names were linked to replace Dubois against Parker, but it has now been announced that he will take on a dangerous heavyweight dubbed ‘the most avoided man in the division.’
That man is Martin Bakole, the hard-hitting Congo heavyweight who last time out claimed a dominant fifth round knockout victory over previously unbeaten Jared Anderson in Los Angeles in August.
Bakole’s trainer Billy Nelson had taken to social media earlier on Thursday, announcing that his man was more than willing to replace Dubois.
“@MartinBakole01 has his bags ready @Turki_alalshikh we are ready to replace Daniel no problem.
“We have instructed our promoter to tell the appropriate people that @MartinBakole01 is ready to fly to Saudi Arabia to fight Joe Parker, no problem whatsoever.”
Bakole was set to take on Efe Ajagba in an IBF final eliminator in May, but Nelson’s wish has now been granted, as he will now step in on short notice to face Parker on Saturday night.
A victory for Bakole could then see him earn a straight world heavyweight title shot against Dubois.
