The New Zealander is one of the world’s most in-form fighters right now. In the last 18 months, he has beaten Zhilei Zhang despite being put down twice, and has also beaten once fearsome American knockout artist Deontay Wilder, both on points.

Martin Bakole took a big risk by agreeing to step in for a sick Daniel Dubois to face Joseph Parker on 48 hours' notice. That risk did not pay off for Bakole as a glancing Parker right hand to the temple put Bakole down and forced the corner to halt the fight prior to the end of the second round of the co-main event on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs.

Joseph Parker just made quick work of Martin Bakole with a stunning second-round knockout to claim the WBO interim heavyweight world title at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He quickly got to work in the ring and though he took one or two shots himself, in the second round he landed a thudding right hand on the top of Bakole’s head which sent him to the canvas. Although he rose, it was on unsteady legs and his trainer Billy Nelson had the referee stop the fight.

Joseph Parker will face late-replacement Martin Bakole on Saturday night in the co-main event of the 'Last Crescendo' card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parker's ori

Joseph Parker defied his doubters with a demolition of Martin Bakole on Saturday, after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness. Dubois was due to defend the IBF heavyweight title against Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but the Briton fell ill on Thursday. As such, organisers were left scrambling for a replacement on two days’ notice.

Martin Bakole fights tonight, at two days' notice and breaking from his holiday, to step in to be the surprise name on the

Joseph Parker made easy work of replacement opponent Martin Bakole with a second round stoppage to retain his interim WBO heavyweight title.