Tony Bellew on Bakole: "He Deserves Credit"

Former world champion Tony Bellew has expressed his respect for Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) after the heavyweight stepped up to fight WBO interim champion Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) on just two days' notice.

"To be honest, you have to give Bakole credit for taking this fight under these circumstances," Bellew wrote.

Parker was originally scheduled to face IBF champion Daniel Dubois, but the Brit was forced to withdraw due to illness. Bakole accepted the fight on February 20, leaving him only two days to prepare.

The fight will take place tonight, February 22, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.