In a dramatic turn of events, Joseph Parker delivered a stunning second-round knockout against Martin Bakole, who stepped in on short notice after Daniel Dubois withdrew from their scheduled bout. The fight, held in Riyadh, saw Bakole travel 3,800 miles from Congo to replace Dubois, who pulled out due to a viral infection. Parker expressed frustration over Dubois’ withdrawal, labeling him a “fucking loser” and accusing him of ducking the fight out of fear.

Despite the last-minute change, Parker showcased his dominance in the ring. From the opening bell, he controlled the bout, landing powerful punches that left Bakole dazed. In the second round, Parker’s relentless assault culminated in a decisive right hand that floored Bakole, prompting his corner to stop the fight to prevent further damage. Parker credited his victory to adhering to his trainer Andy Lee’s strategy.

The undercard featured notable matches, including Callum Smith’s victory over Joshua Buatsi in a light-heavyweight contest, Agit Kabayel’s win against Zhilei Zhang in a heavyweight bout, and Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s triumph over Israil Madrimov in a super-welterweight clash. Additionally, Shakur Stevenson retained his lightweight title by defeating late replacement Josh Padley.

Parker’s decisive win over Bakole not only solidifies his position in the heavyweight division but also intensifies the anticipation for a potential title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. As Parker continues to demonstrate his prowess in the ring, boxing enthusiasts eagerly await his next move on the path to reclaiming world champion status.