Joseph Parker has showcased remarkable bravery, accepting a last-minute replacement, after Daniel Dubois withdrew through illness.
Throughout the build-up to this weekend’s fight, the New Zealander has oozed confidence.
The former WBO world heavyweight King refused to back down from a war of words, with both Parker and Andy Lee insisting they had the mental edge over Dubois.
Now, the Kiwi has showcased his mental fortitude in abundance, by agreeing to bite down on his gumshield and head into battle against a thunderous puncher.
WOW: Daniel Dubois’ most devastating knockouts ranked
Joseph Parker will face Martin Bakole
The Ring Magazine is reporting that Joseph Parker will go head-to-head with Martin Bakole in a clash that looks destined to excite.
With approximately 48 hours to go before setting foot in the ring, the two heavyweight titans have stepped up to the plate in a match-up that’s caught the imagination of the fans.
While Parker undeniably has a significant hand speed and experience advantage, Bakole possesses awe-inspiring power that he can utilize to turn the lights off with a single shot.
Considered by many as ‘The Boogeyman’ of the heavyweight division, the Congolese fighter has long awaited his opportunity.
Very few have volunteered to take him on, with rumors around his terrifying performances inside the gym doing the rounds on the grapevine.
In fact, according to Bakole himself, he actually broke Daniel Dubois’ nose in sparring.
Has Martin Bakole ever lost?
It goes without saying that Parker has an extremely tough challenge on his hands.
In recent years, we’ve watched Bakole annihilate the likes of Jared Anderson and Carlos Takam.
However, he’s not invincible.
Back in 2018, he was outboxed and ultimately outmanned by Michael Hunter, who forced him to quit in the tenth round.
Possessing skills similar to the American, Parker hopes that he can utilize his years of fighting the best in the business to drag his rival into deep waters, in which he will not be able to swim.