Parker vs Bakole – R1 Joseph Parker Brutally going harder on Martin Bakole LIVE RESULTS
An almost comically static start from Bakole who isn’t on his toes and is just standing waiting for Parker to come forward.
The Kiwi isn’t quite prepared to do that in this first round and is content to fire out a couple of jabs.
Not much action or landing so far as the two massive fighters size each other up.
Parker definitely looks better, though, as he fires off a decent one-two in the final minute of the round.
Bakole finally makes his move inside the final 20 seconds and lands a massive shot to end the round!
Well, that certainly will have woken Parker up!
Here they come
Martin Bakole is first to the ring as he arrives draped in the Congolese flag and a plain black t-shirt.
Then comes Joseph Parker – at the heaviest weight of his career – in a red gown with a glittery hoodie.
This is an absolutely top quality heavyweight fight and, remember, an eliminator for the WBO title, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker spoke in the ring and pleaded his case for a world title next.
He was meant to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF title tonight and he is still the WBO mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk.
As one of the most in-form heavyweights in boxing, he thoroughly deserves a title shot next.
Parker said: “Martin Bakole thanks for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here.
“I listened, stayed calm, structured composed and got the victory.
“I want to fight for the world title next.
“We’ve got Frank [Warren] here… I want a world title next.
“When I came back to the corner, Andy [Lee] gave me instructions to be patient, when he comes in throw the overhand right.”
Asked if he would prefer to fight Usyk or Dubois, Parker said: “I will fight anyone and everyone.”
