Martin Bakole has stepped in as a last-minute replacement to fight Joseph Parker after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness just two days before their scheduled IBF world heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia. Dubois, who was set to defend his title, was ruled out after a medical evaluation, forcing promoter Frank Warren to secure an alternative opponent. The fight, now a non-title bout, will see Parker face Bakole on 48 hours’ notice, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fight (Updated) | Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole |
| Date | Saturday, February 22, 2025 |
| Event | Riyadh Season’s “The Last Crescendo“ |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Venue | Kingdom Arena |
| Title on the Line | Non-title bout (originally IBF Heavyweight Championship) |
| Main Card Start Time | TBA (Expected in the evening local time) |
| Ring Walks (Estimated) | Around 11:00 PM GMT (UK) |
| Broadcast | DAZN Pay-Per-View |
| Undercard Fight? | Yes, part of Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 undercard |
| Fighter Records | Bakole: (TBA) – Parker: (TBA) |
| How to Watch | DAZN App, DAZN Website |
Parker vs Bakole odds
| Parker | Draw | Bakole |
|---|---|---|
| 8/13 (-160) | 17/1 (+1700) | 5/4 (+130) |
Parker vs Bakole place bets
Welcome Bonus 150% up to 1000£
Welcome Bonus 120% up to 600€
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole – Chance of winning
Key Facts
| Category | Joseph Parker | Martin Bakole |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 35-3-0 | 21-1-0 |
| Knockout Wins | 23 | 16 |
| Knockout Percentage | 66% | 76% |
| Age | 33 years | 31 years |
| Height | 6′ 4″ / 193 cm (1 inch taller) | 6′ 3″ / 191 cm (1 inch shorter) |
| Reach | 76″ / 193 cm | 77.2″ / 196 cm |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Professional Debut | 2012 | 2014 |
| Total Rounds Fought | 250 rounds | 85 rounds |
| Ranking (IBF) | Ranked 5 | Ranked 3 |
| Ranking (WBA) | Not ranked | Ranked 2 |
| Ranking (WBC) | Not ranked | Ranked 4 |
| Ranking (WBO) | Ranked 3 | Ranked 2 |
| Ranking (The Ring) | Ranked 3 | Ranked 6 |
| Last 5 Fights | 5 wins (2 by stoppage) | 5 wins (4 by stoppage) |
| Last Fight Result | Defeated Zhilei Zhang (Majority Decision) – March 8, 2024 | Defeated Jared Anderson (Knockout) – August 3, 2024 |
Predictions for Parker vs Bakole Fight
1. Lewis Watson (Boxing Writer – Prediction: Parker by Stoppage)
Watson acknowledges the risk of a last-minute opponent change but believes Parker is in the best shape of his career and will adapt well despite the disruption in training. He notes Bakole’s strong record against fighters like Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam, and Jared Anderson, but ultimately predicts that Parker will “burst the bubble of Bakole via stoppage.”
2. BoxingForum24 User Prediction (Close Parker Decision, Bakole Knockdown Possible)
The forum user believes Bakole is a strong, heavy-handed fighter but remains untested at the highest level compared to Parker, who has experience against elite heavyweights like Ruiz, Joshua, Whyte, Joyce, and Wilder. They predict a Parker win on points in a close fight but suggest Bakole could knock Parker down at least once due to his power:
“I back Parker points in a close fight, but I do think Bakole will knock Parker down once at least.”
They also acknowledge the possibility of a Bakole stoppage, as Parker’s chin is not the strongest despite his toughness.
3. BoxingForum24 User Prediction (Parker by Late Gameplan Execution)
This prediction suggests Bakole will try to overpower Parker early, similar to how Daniel Dubois might have fought him. However, Parker, trained by Andy Lee, is expected to implement a patient strategy, staying mobile and dragging Bakole into the later rounds, where Parker has an advantage.
“The longer the fight goes, the more it becomes Parker’s fight.”
They also highlight Bakole’s defensive weaknesses, stating:
“I think Bakole is more open to counters than DDD.”
Their final prediction favors Parker for the win, but they still give Bakole a solid shot at victory.
Where and When to Watch Parker vs Bakole
The Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole fight will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The undercard starts at 4 PM GMT, with Parker vs Bakole expected to begin around 9 PM GMT.
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box Office, and TNT Sports Box Office, available on pay-per-view for £19.99.