In a dramatic twist, the “Fight Card of the Century” has undergone a late change just two days before the event, available on pay-per-view via DAZN. Initially, Joseph Parker was scheduled to face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia. However, Dubois’s sudden withdrawal due to illness prompted promoter Ben Shalom to quickly secure Martin Bakole as Parker’s new opponent.
Shalom expressed his astonishment at the rapid turnaround, highlighting Bakole’s eagerness to take the fight on such short notice. Dubois’s withdrawal means that the IBF title will no longer be contested in this bout. Parker, who carries a record of 35 wins and 3 losses, prepares to fight a resolute Bakole, who hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an impressive record of 21 wins and just one loss.
The main event remains the much-anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight title. The card also features other notable fights across various weight classes. As both fighters gear up, Parker has been training intensively in New Zealand and Ireland, while Bakole travels over 3,200km for this significant clash.