Joseph Parker delivered a dominant performance at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, knocking out Martin Bakole in the second round to secure the WBO Interim heavyweight title. The victory positions Parker for a potential world title shot, with Oleksandr Usyk currently holding the WBO world title.
Bakole stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the ill Daniel Dubois, accepting the fight just two days prior. The Congolese fighter traveled from Kinshasa to Riyadh, arriving early Saturday morning before entering the ring that night.
The fight commenced with Parker utilizing his jab to keep Bakole at a distance despite the latter’s imposing 310-pound frame. Towards the end of the first round, Bakole managed to land a strong right hand, momentarily catching Parker off guard. The two fighters tapped gloves after the round, with Bakole appearing pleased with his early success.
In the second round, Bakole, wearing borrowed gloves from Dubois, launched an aggressive attack targeting Parker’s body and head. However, Parker remained composed and countered with a precise right hand to Bakole’s head, causing him to lose balance. Although Bakole attempted to use the ropes to pull himself up, the referee ruled him out at 2:17 of the second round, declaring Parker the winner.
Gracious in victory, Parker acknowledged Bakole’s courage. “Martin Bakole, thank you for accepting the challenge of flying all the way here on short notice and giving me a good fight,” Parker said post-match. “I stayed calm, structured, composed, and got the victory. I’m fit, strong, healthy, and sharp. Andy Lee broke it down for me, I had to be patient.”
Now holding the WBO Interim title, Parker is setting his sights on a world title opportunity. “How can I fight for the world title next? If Usyk wants a dance partner, I want to fight for a world title. I want to be champion of the world again,” he declared.
Shakur Stevenson Dominates Josh Padley to Defend WBC Lightweight Title
Shakur Stevenson showcased his elite skills in a dominant victory over Josh Padley, successfully defending his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round stoppage.
Padley, an electrician from Doncaster, took the fight on short notice as a replacement for the ill Floyd Schofield. Despite the odds, he stepped into the ring for the biggest challenge of his career.
Stevenson, already a three-division world champion, controlled the fight from the opening bell. The slick southpaw dictated the pace, landing clean punches at will. In the second round, Stevenson connected with a strong shot that forced Padley to step back, and by the third round, he was fully in command, landing sharp one-two combinations.
Padley displayed determination, battling through the skill and speed disadvantage. However, Stevenson’s precision and relentless offense took its toll. A brutal left to the body in the fifth round drained Padley’s energy, and by the sixth, Stevenson was overwhelming him with hooks and lead rights.
Despite his resilience, Padley succumbed to Stevenson’s onslaught in the ninth round, suffering three knockdowns. His corner ultimately threw in the towel, conceding victory to Stevenson.
Following the fight, Stevenson remained in high spirits, further solidifying his legacy in the lightweight division. Meanwhile, Padley earned respect for his courage and perseverance, having pushed Stevenson deeper into the fight than many expected.
