When Daniel Dubois withdrew from his scheduled fight against Joseph Parker in Riyadh due to illness, the boxing world was left in a state of confusion. But in the chaos of last-minute changes, a name few were familiar with emerged — Martin Bakole.
A 33-year-old heavyweight from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Martin Bakole answered the call to replace Dubois, seemingly without hesitation. For many, his name may not have been on their radar, but that could change after this fight.
In truth, I too had never heard of Bakole before Thursday. Yet, his response to the opportunity tells you everything you need to know about his character. Training under Billy Nelson in Glasgow, Bakole is known for his fearsome knockout power. His 21-1 record, with 16 knockouts, speaks volumes about his destructive potential inside the ring.
What Sets Martin Bakole Apart in the Ring?
While his name may not yet echo through the halls of boxing’s elite, his presence in the division is undeniable. Bakole is a fighter who lives up to his reputation of being one of the most avoided boxers in the heavyweight class, thanks to his strength and aggressive fighting style.
But the question is: if Bakole is such a formidable force, why has he been kept at arm’s length by many in the heavyweight ranks? The answer lies in the raw power and unrelenting aggression he brings to every fight.
Bakole’s victories over seasoned fighters like Carlos Takam and the highly regarded American, Jared Anderson, have earned him a spot among the most feared in the division. The heavyweights know: Bakole hits hard and doesn’t hesitate to end a fight quickly. This is a man who knows how to take control, and when he steps into the ring, opponents know that anything can happen.
Joseph Parker, however, has a different set of advantages. While Bakole may have the power, Parker has the experience, fitness, and preparation on his side. Having trained for a completely different opponent in Daniel Dubois, Parker faces the challenge of adjusting to Bakole’s unique fighting style on short notice. Yet, he made it clear that he would fight anyone, even at the eleventh hour, and it’s a testament to his professional approach and resilience.
Can Bakole Upset the Odds?
The odds may be stacked against Bakole, especially considering the minimal time for preparation and the long journey to Riyadh. Fitness will likely be his biggest hurdle—can he summon the necessary energy to fight at the highest level when he hasn’t had the same time to prepare as Parker?
What Bakole has in power, he’ll need to compensate for in stamina and endurance. But don’t count him out just yet. In boxing, we’ve seen upsets before, and Bakole’s explosive power could easily turn the tide.
Parker will certainly come into this fight as the favourite. His superior conditioning, coupled with his experience in high-pressure bouts, will make him the more well-rounded fighter going into this contest. His strategy will likely involve outboxing Bakole, keeping him at a distance, and avoiding the kind of close-range exchanges where Martin Bakole can land a devastating knockout blow.
As an observer, it’s hard not to feel excited about this unexpected showdown. While the odds may favour Parker, Bakole’s powerful punches could cause a huge upset. In the world of heavyweight boxing, this fight is set to remind us why we never take our eyes off the ring until the end.
