"Stop Joking" – Martin Bakole on How He Agreed to Fight Parker

Martin Bakole has officially arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where tonight, February 22, he will step into the ring against WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs).

Bakole got this opportunity just two days ago, after IBF champion Daniel Dubois withdrew from the event due to illness.

According to Martin, at first, he couldn’t believe the offer was real.

“When I got the call, they said: ‘Daniel Dubois is sick and out. What do you think?’ They told me, ‘If you're in shape and available, you can step in and replace him.’

I said: ‘Stop joking. I’m ready to do anything for my career, so I’m looking forward to Saturday’s fight.’

And when they added that this was a personal request from His Excellency, I said: ‘No, no, I can’t let him down.’

Even if I had been in Congo, even if I wasn’t in the UK or in the gym, I felt like I could do this,” Bakole stated.