Martin Bakole Demands Rematch with Joseph Parker

Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) has publicly called for a rematch against interim WBO champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs), stating that with a full training camp, he’s confident he could beat the New Zealander.

“I don’t regret the decision. It was a big favor for the man who has helped me throughout my career — His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. I owed him that. He told me that no matter the outcome against Parker — win or lose — I would still face Efe Ajagba next. And here I am. He kept his word. That’s why I said, ‘No problem,’ and got on the plane.

I don’t regret it, because I don’t even count it as a real loss. Given the circumstances, it doesn’t count. I wasn’t even thinking about fighting Parker — I had actually bought the DAZN broadcast to watch him fight Dubois. But here I am now, and this fight [against Ajagba] has been on my mind for a long time.

I want to beat Efe Ajagba and ask His Excellency to organize a rematch with Parker. With a full camp and proper preparation, I believe I would beat him. I don’t think Joseph Parker will accept the rematch, but I know the fans want it — I’ve received a lot of messages about it.

I believe I deserve it. I saved that fight. I saved Parker’s camp, which cost a lot of money. I should be given the chance to set things right. That’s why Saturday’s fight means so much to me — I need to get back on track and earn that rematch,” said Bakole.

Bakole stepped in on two days’ notice to replace an ill Daniel Dubois on February 22, but lost to Joseph Parker by second-round TKO.

He returns to the ring on May 3 in Riyadh, facing Efe Ajagba. Fight preview and detailed statistics are available via the link.