A last-minute shake-up has hit the highly anticipated Riyadh Season boxing event as Martin Bakole steps in to face Joseph Parker, replacing Daniel Dubois, who withdrew due to illness. The dramatic switch was confirmed on Thursday evening, setting the stage for an unexpected but thrilling heavyweight contest on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
A Sudden Change of Plans
Joseph Parker learned about Dubois’ potential withdrawal while en route to the press conference. By the time the media event had wrapped up, his new opponent had been confirmed. The rapid development saw Bakole, a formidable heavyweight from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, flown in at short notice to keep the bout alive. While the IBF world title will no longer be on the line, the WBO Interim championship will be, making the winner a mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO heavyweight title.
Despite the abrupt change, Parker has embraced the challenge. Speaking after a late-night training session in Riyadh, he expressed understanding of Dubois’ decision to pull out. “He did the sensible thing. If you’re sick, you don’t fight,” Parker remarked. Reflecting on his past experience of fighting while unwell, particularly in his loss to Joe Joyce, Parker acknowledged the importance of entering the ring in peak condition.
Martin Bakole: The Division’s Most Avoided Fighter?
Bakole, widely regarded as one of the most avoided heavyweights in the division, now gets a golden opportunity to showcase his skills on a grand stage. His promoter, Ben Shalom, wasted no time in securing the bout, revealing that negotiations were underway even before Dubois’ withdrawal was confirmed. “Martin is always ready. He has been training, and he will prove why top heavyweights don’t want to fight him,” Shalom stated.
Boxing analyst and former middleweight champion Matthew Macklin highlighted Bakole’s danger factor. “He’s massive, strong, and relentless. He doesn’t load up; he’s got a very relaxed style and comes forward with pressure. Joseph Parker knows exactly how dangerous Bakole is.”
Parker, fresh off back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, is no stranger to stepping up against elite competition. While the change in opponent presents a unique challenge, Parker remains unfazed. “No time to sulk, no time to relax. The show goes on,” he asserted.
How the Fight Came Together in Three Hours
The fast-moving developments leading to Bakole’s inclusion unfolded as follows:
- 5:00 PM GMT: Dubois undergoes medical evaluation due to illness.
- 6:00 PM GMT: The press conference begins without Dubois present.
- 6:30 PM GMT: Parker reassures the media that he will fight on Saturday, regardless of his opponent.
- 7:00 PM GMT: Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, holds off on confirming Dubois’ withdrawal, stating a final decision would be made by Friday.
- 7:30 PM GMT: Ring Magazine announces Bakole as Dubois’ replacement.
- 8:00 PM GMT: Ben Shalom confirms to Sky Sports that the fight deal is finalized.
A Test of Mental Toughness
For Parker, adjusting to a new opponent in such a short span requires supreme mental resilience. “Still enjoying it,” he said when asked about the sudden switch. “In life, things happen. You just have to adjust, adapt, and get on with business as usual.”
Bakole’s presence as a replacement opponent has excited boxing fans, with Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson expressing his enthusiasm for the matchup. “This fight is going to be electric. The fans will get exactly what they want—a real heavyweight battle.”
Dave Coldwell, a former professional boxer and trainer, echoed the sentiment. “Losing Dubois was a disappointment, but bringing in Bakole? That’s incredible. He’s relentless, he’ll target the body, and he’s got a sharp jab. Parker knows he’s in for a real fight.”
What’s at Stake?
Although the IBF world heavyweight title is off the table due to Dubois’ withdrawal, the stakes remain high. The WBO Interim belt guarantees the winner a mandatory shot at Usyk, adding an extra layer of significance to the contest.
As the Riyadh Season event draws near, the anticipation for Parker vs. Bakole continues to build. With Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s light-heavyweight rematch headlining the night, the heavyweight showdown promises to be an explosive lead-up.
Boxing fans can watch all the action live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, February 22. Don’t miss out—book your spot now!
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