It is all change for Joseph Parker as he now meets Martin Bakole in the Riyadh ring tonight.
The 33-year-old had been preparing for a shot at becoming a two-time world champion, with Parker scheduled to challenge for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title on a huge card.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW PARKER VS BAKOLE LIVE!
However, reports emerged that Dubois had fallen ill on Thursday and he missed the press conference as he was evaluated by a doctor, before it was announced that he had pulled out of the fight.
That sparked a frantic search for a new opponent at 48-hours notice and Bakole was the man to step up, as both fighters take a risk. Parker must now quickly adapt to an awkward opponent he had not prepared for, while Bakole will surely be a fair way off his peak physical condition.
Should Parker win, he will likely be set for either a shot at Dubois’ world title or at the belts held by Oleksandr Usyk, but Bakole will be keen to gatecrash that particular party.
Parker is in career-best form, after wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, while Bakole was last seen in the ring when impressively beating Jared Anderson last summer.
Where to watch Parker vs Bakole
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, Parker vs Bakole is being broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view for £19.99, with no subscription required and a seven-day free trial to DAZN also on offer.
The event is also available to purchase via Sky Sports Box Office for £24.95, and on TNT Sports Box Office for £19.99.
LIVE coverage: Follow the entire card with Standard Sport’s fight blog!
