Martin Bakole will step in on just two days notice to face Joseph Parker on February 22nd.
The Congolese fighter will aim to pull off an unlikely win as he has acted as a short-noticed replacement for Daniel Dubois.
Despite Dubois’ withdrawal, Bakole and Parker will compete for the WBC Interim World Heavyweight title, with the New Zealander aiming to defend his belt.
The fight was described as a risk for Parker by fans, however, the fighter showed no hesitation in accepting the fight.
Bakole will go into the bout with a professional record of 21-1, with his last loss coming back in 2018.
Martin Bakole lost to Michael Hunter in 2018
In 2018, Bakole would take on Michael Hunter in what was the toughest challenge of his career to that point.
The two would meet in London, with Hunter boasting a 14-1 record. Bakole went into the bout fresh off of a first round knockout, and a professional record of 11-0.
However, Bakole would have his undefeated record spoiled, as he would be stopped in the final minute of their 10-round fight.
Bakole was looking to defend the IBO Continental Heavyweight Championship for the second time but would not be successful.
Despite being the heavier fighter by 43 lbs, Bakole would be stopped by Hunter in the 10th.
After taking several unanswered punches in the final round, the referee felt he had seen enough, and Bakole was handed a TKO loss.
Martin Bakole recaptured form after first career loss
Although Bakole would be handed his first professional loss in 2018, he would bounce back from the defeat well.
Six months after the loss, Bakole would return to the ring against Mariusz Wach (33-4), where he was able to score an eighth round TKO in a close fight.
From there, wins were the only thing being added to the Congolese fighter’s record. He would go on to win a further nine fights to extend his record to 21-1.
His last victory came versus Jared Anderson (17-0), where he had an incredible fifth round knockout over his opponent in Los Angeles.