Joseph Parker to Face Martin Bakole After Daniel Dubois Withdraws Due to Illness

In an unexpected twist to the heavyweight division’s weekend schedule, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will now face Congolese contender Martin Bakole on Saturday night. The late change comes after Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw from his bout against Parker due to illness, leaving Bakole to step up as a replacement opponent at short notice.

A flurry of names were floated to step in for the ill Daniel Dubois against Joseph Parker, but it has now been confirmed that Parker’s new opponent will be none other than Martin Bakole, a fearsome heavyweight often referred to as “the most avoided man in the division.”

Bakole’s fearsome reputation was cemented in August when he demolished previously unbeaten Jared Anderson with a dominant fifth-round knockout in Los Angeles. Trained by Billy Nelson, Bakole was quick to throw his hat in the ring after hearing of Dubois’s withdrawal, with Nelson publicly declaring on Thursday that Bakole was eager for the opportunity.

Originally lined up to face Efe Ajagba in an IBF final eliminator in May, Bakole will now seize the chance to take on Parker at short notice this Saturday night. A victory could propel the Congolese powerhouse straight to a world heavyweight title challenge against Dubois, adding even more intrigue to an already fascinating heavyweight landscape.