In a dramatic heavyweight bout that took an unexpected turn, Joseph Parker secured a stunning second-round knockout victory over Martin Bakole in Riyadh. Initially set to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF world heavyweight title, Parker found himself facing Bakole as an emergency replacement after Dubois fell ill. Despite Bakole's late arrival and apparent lack of preparation, Parker showcased his skill and power to dominate the fight. The New Zealander capitalized on Bakole's sluggishness and delivered a decisive blow that ended the contest swiftly. This win bolsters Parker's confidence as he looks ahead to future title opportunities.
When plans shifted, Parker faced Bakole, who had only arrived in Riyadh hours before the match. Bakole, based in Airdrie under Scottish trainer Billy Nelson, seemed unprepared for the intensity of the bout. As the bell rang, Parker wasted no time in asserting his dominance. He began with cautious jabs, testing Bakole's defenses. Bakole, despite his size, appeared lethargic and struggled to find his rhythm. Parker's respect for Bakole's potential power was evident in his defensive maneuvers, but when the opportunity arose, he struck decisively. A powerful right hand caught Bakole off guard, followed by a crushing overhand right that sent him crashing to the canvas. The referee quickly stopped the fight, marking a significant victory for Parker.
The impact of Parker's final punch left Bakole visibly dazed. After staggering briefly, Bakole eventually rose with assistance from the ropes, but it was clear he was no longer in condition to continue. Trainer Billy Nelson removed Bakole's gumshield as the crowd acknowledged the brutal conclusion. Parker, known for his sportsmanship, thanked Bakole for stepping in on short notice. Reflecting on the fight, Parker credited his trainer Andy Lee for guiding him to remain patient and seize the moment when Bakole made a mistake. This win not only solidified Parker's reputation but also prepared him for more formidable challenges ahead.
Beyond Parker's victory, the event featured several other notable bouts. Callum Smith outpointed Joshua Buatsi in a grueling light-heavyweight showdown, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess. Smith's ability to withstand and counter Buatsi's aggressive attacks earned him a unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Kurdish-German heavyweight Agit Kabayel secured a significant win against veteran Zhilei Zhang, demonstrating fluid movement and effective body shots. In another highlight, Vergil Ortiz Jr. emerged victorious in a hard-fought super-welterweight clash with Israil Madrimov, despite the Uzbek's relentless efforts.
Hamzah Sheeraz faced WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in a tightly contested bout that ended in controversy. Despite Sheeraz's valiant effort, the split decision and one judge's surprising draw call overshadowed his performance. Lastly, Josh Padley, a part-time electrician, bravely stepped in as a late replacement to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. Though ultimately outclassed, Padley's courage and determination were commendable. These matches underscored the unpredictability and excitement of boxing, setting the stage for future rivalries and championship pursuits.