Bakole had garnered the label of "the boogeyman of the heavyweight division," with his power, size and ability to walk down opponents leading to trouble finding opponents. To Parker's credit, he jumped at the chance to face Bakole after Dubois pulled out of the bout, taking the IBF heavyweight title with him.

Joseph Parker made light work of an incredibly heavy man as he demolished rotund late replacement Martin Bakole within two rounds in Riyadh.Parker was due to have a shot at IBF champion Daniel Dubois but the British fighter withdrew due to illness during fight week,

Martin Bakole flew in last minute to face Joseph Parker in the co-main event of a the latest Riyadh Season show, and heavyweight rival Derek Chisora was not