Anthony Joshua Wanted to Replace Dubois Against Parker

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has reacted to Martin Bakole’s (21-2, 16 KOs) loss against interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs).

According to Joshua, he had planned to step in as a late replacement for IBF champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

"He’s a fighter—that’s what he does. I wanted to step in, but I got injured. I understand Martin Bakole’s mentality. If you have belief in yourself and the kind of power he has, sometimes that’s enough.

He wouldn’t have taken the fight if he wasn’t ready. I think he trusts himself more than his physical condition. He just believes in himself," Joshua stated.

On February 22, Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round. Initially, Parker was set to face Daniel Dubois, but the Brit withdrew due to illness. Bakole took the fight on just two days’ notice, stepping in on February 20.