Martin Bakole Steps In to Face Joseph Parker After Daniel Dubois Withdraws Due to Illness
In an unexpected turn of events, British heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his scheduled IBF heavyweight title defense against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker due to illness. The bout was set to take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Stepping in on short notice is Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, who accepted the challenge just two days before the fight.
Dubois’ Sudden Withdrawal
Dubois’ absence from a pre-fight press conference in Riyadh raised concerns, which were soon confirmed when medical evaluations deemed him unfit to compete. This development is particularly disappointing for Dubois, who was aiming to defend his title after a significant victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024. His withdrawal marks the second major setback for the event, following Floyd Schofield’s recent pullout from his match with Shakur Stevenson due to illness.
Dubois’ camp has yet to disclose specific details about his condition, but reports indicate that the British boxer has been suffering from a viral infection, making it impossible for him to compete at full strength. Fans and analysts had anticipated a thrilling contest between Dubois and Parker, given Dubois’ recent performances and rising status in the heavyweight division.
Martin Bakole: The Late Replacement
Martin Bakole, a 31-year-old heavyweight contender from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been rapidly ascending the ranks with an impressive record of 21 wins out of 22 professional fights. Notably, Bakole has previously fought on Riyadh Season events, securing victories over Carlos Takam in Saudi Arabia and Jared Anderson in Los Angeles. His readiness to step in on such short notice underscores his commitment and determination.
Promoter Ben Shalom, who managed to finalize the agreement with Bakole’s team within 48 hours of Dubois’ illness confirmation, described securing Bakole as “the most ridiculous deal ever made.” Bakole, who was in Congo at the time, accepted the offer immediately and is traveling to Riyadh. Shalom praised Bakole’s readiness and willingness to take the fight on such short notice, highlighting the uniqueness of this deal.
Although Bakole is stepping in as a late replacement, he is no stranger to high-level competition. His aggressive style and powerful punching ability have earned him a reputation as a dangerous opponent. He has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, and has expressed confidence in his ability to pull off an upset against Parker.
Joseph Parker’s Perspective
Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, was initially preparing to challenge Dubois for the IBF title. Despite the sudden change in opponents, Parker remains focused and unfazed. He acknowledges the challenge that Bakole presents and is prepared to adapt his strategy accordingly. Parker’s team, including trainer Andy Lee, has expressed confidence in their ability to adjust to the new circumstances and secure a victory.
Parker, who has had a resurgence in his career following back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, sees this fight as another opportunity to prove himself. His disciplined approach and technical boxing skills could be key in handling Bakole’s aggressive style. However, fighting a last-minute replacement always comes with its own set of challenges, and Parker will need to be cautious.
Event Adjustments and Undercard Highlights
The main event of the evening remains the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship. The undercard has undergone significant changes due to the recent withdrawals. In addition to Bakole replacing Dubois, Shakur Stevenson will now face Josh Padley after Floyd Schofield’s withdrawal. Other notable bouts include Hamzah Sheeraz versus Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title and a light heavyweight contest between Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith.
Despite the disruptions, the fight card remains stacked with world-class talent, ensuring an exciting night for boxing fans. Saudi Arabia has increasingly become a major hub for high-profile boxing events, attracting top fighters and global attention. This event is another testament to the country’s commitment to hosting major sporting spectacles.
Broadcast Information
The event, dubbed “The Fight Card of the Century,” will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office and streamed on DAZN on Saturday, February 22, 2025. UK fans can tune in from 8 pm, with the main event expected to start around 11 pm UK time. Despite the unforeseen changes, the event promises an exciting lineup of high-stakes boxing matches.
With both Bakole and Parker eager to make a statement, this fight could turn into an unexpected classic. Boxing enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how Parker handles the sudden switch in opponents and whether Bakole can capitalize on the opportunity of a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
While Dubois’ withdrawal is a setback, the swift arrangement of Bakole as a replacement ensures that fans will still witness a compelling heavyweight clash. Both Parker and Bakole have expressed readiness and determination, setting the stage for an unexpected yet thrilling encounter in Riyadh. The outcome of this bout could have significant implications for the heavyweight division, potentially reshaping future title contention scenarios.
Bakole has everything to gain from this fight. A victory over Parker would elevate him to a new level in the heavyweight division, potentially positioning him for a world title shot. Parker, on the other hand, is looking to maintain his momentum and secure another shot at championship gold.
As the boxing world anticipates this revised matchup, attention also remains on the main event rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, adding to the night’s high stakes and excitement. Regardless of the last-minute changes, fans can expect an electrifying night of boxing in Saudi Arabia, proving once again why the sport continues to capture global attention.
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