Joseph Parker knocked out last-minute stand-in Martin Bakole within the second spherical on Saturday night time after a heroic effort.
All the chances have been stacked in opposition to the courageous Congolese heavyweight, who stepped in on two days’ discover to battle Parker when Daniel Dubois pulled out of their IBF heavyweight title battle with a viral an infection.
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Organisers scrambled for a alternative with Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev all contacted to take Dubois’ place.
However Bakole received the decision after his coach and supervisor Billy Nelson campaigned tirelessly for the battle on social media.
The 33-year-old was in Congo when he received the inexperienced gentle from boxing mogul Turki Alalshikh and jumped on a 3,800-mile flight on the identical day to Saudi Arabia.
Bakole’s journey was so lengthy it required three connecting flights.
He first flew from Congo to Ethiopia, then to Dubai, earlier than lastly touchdown within the Center East within the early hours of Saturday morning.
It was all the time going to be a giant ask for Bakole to tug it off however his followers have been left dreaming of a sensational upset.
These goals have been subsequently shattered by a dynamite proper hand that caught Bakole on the highest of the top within the second spherical and despatched him tumbling to the canvas.
To his credit score, Bakole made his method again to his ft, though he was caught on unsteady legs, prompting his coach Nelson to make the compassionate name to throw within the towel.
In doing so, Parker efficiently retained his WBO ‘interim’ title earlier than displaying his class within the speedy aftermath.
Paying tribute to Bakole for saving the cardboard, Parker stated post-fight: “Martin Bakole thanks very a lot for accepting the problem and flying all the way in which right here on brief discover to present me an excellent battle.
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“I simply went on the market listened to Andy [Lee] and stayed calm, structured and composed to get the victory.
“I am match, I am robust, I am wholesome, I am sharp thanks to those two males and my onerous work.
“Andy was breaking it down for me and I needed to be affected person.
“I need to say, who’s subsequent? How do I battle for the world title subsequent?
“If Usyk needs a dance accomplice then I’ll get Frank [Warren] in right here to lock in a battle.
“I need to champion of the world once more quickly.”
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Parker is the WBO necessary for WBC, WBA and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Previous to Parker vs Dubois falling aside, the Ukrainian said his intentions to field the winner.
Nevertheless, now the battle has collapsed, Usyk is favouring a rematch with IBF champion Dubois for the undisputed crown subsequent.
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