FANS have hailed Joseph Parker for his brilliant reaction to finding out he will fight Martin Bakole.
The New Zealander was set to have a shot at the IBF world heavyweight title on a blockbuster Saturday night card in Riyadh.
But opponent Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw through illness just 48 hours before he was due in the ring.
The Brit was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and 6ft 6in giant Bakole steps in as his replacement at late notice.
Parker found out the news straight after his press conference last night, with his instant reaction captured by IFL TV.
The 33-year-old smiled in excitement and shouted: “Ooooh, let’s go.”
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Fans praised Parker’s willingness to take anybody on as one commented: “This is why everyone loves Joseph.”
Another added: “Just shows what an absolute credit to the sport Parker is.”
A third wrote: “A stone cold legend for taking on Bakole at two days notice.”
Parker was relaxed about the situation, saying: “Listen, it is all part of boxing and part of the journey. One opportunity goes away, another one comes.
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“I am fighting Martin Bakole who has been waiting for a big fight. Let’s get it on.
“Bakole is the most avoided heavyweight, but I love to challenge myself.
“We sat down with Turki [Alalshikh] and we welcomed anyone.
“We have got Bakole, which is great. He is a beast, so let’s get ready.
“Hopefully we can revisit this [Dubois] fight because I want to be champion of the world.”
Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom told DAZN: “He is 100 per cent into this fight, he wanted it, there was no standing in the way of this.
“On Saturday night he wants to shock the world and he is coming to win. Trust me, Martin is ready to go.
“This has come from him and him only, he wants this and is ready to go.
“For me, Joseph Parker is the fittest heavyweight out there. So, over 12 rounds it could be tough with Martin coming in at two days’ notice.
“But if Martin can pull this off he puts himself he announces himself at the very top of the division.
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“Everyone has taken a big risk in making this fight happen – Martin, Joseph, His Excellency – so everyone needs to take a lot of credit.
“But it is a phenomenal fight and everyone should be very excited about it.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
