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    Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole fight purse: How much money will both boxers earn for heavyweight fight?

    THE riches of Riyadh have attracted some of the best on the planet to create what has been coined the “best boxing card of all time.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol headline the card while Joseph Parker will now face off against Martin Bakole after Daniel Dubois pulled out in the co-main event – and it’ll be for a huge purse too.Joseph Parker will still fight in Saudi Arabia despite Daniel Dubois’ withdrawalCredit: Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesMartin Bakole is stepping in to fight Joshua Parker in the biggest fight of his careerCredit: gettyDubois was set to fight Parker, however he pulled out due to illness, setting up the fight between Parker and Martin Bakole. Parker enters the fight with a 35-3-0 record and has only lost once since 2019 against Joe Joyce.It may play second fiddle to the Beterbiev and Bivol on the night, but nevertheless, both combatants stand to gain financially from the bout. What is the Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole fight purse?The fight purse for the fight has been reported as £2.05million ($2.6m).READ MORE IN BOXINGParker will get the lion’s share of the purse – £1.58m ($2m) – with Bakolie earning an estimated £475k ($600k).It is not clear what the fight purse for Dubois was set to be.According to reports, the winner of Beterbiev vs Bivol is expected to win over $20MILLION.According to his financial records, Parker has won substantial sums of money in his most recent bouts.Most read in BoxingMost significantly, he reportedly earned £8m from his victory over Joshua in 2018.When is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole is set to take place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II, on Saturday, February 22.The card gets underway from 4pm GMT, with Dubois and Parker to fight before the main event at around 9pm GMT.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.SunSport will be offer all the action as it happens with our live blog.Full cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesJoseph Parker vs Martin BakoleShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley – for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for the interim WBO light-heavyweight title More

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    ‘Most ridiculous deal ever made’ – How new fight was made in record time after Dubois vs Parker dramatically called off

    BEN SHALOM reckons drafting in Martin Bakole as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois against Joseph Parker is the “most ridiculous deal ever made.”Boxing fans were left stunned on Thursday when it emerged Dubois was too ill to fight this weekend.Martin Bakole’s mad dash to Saudi has been described as the ‘most ridiculous deal ever’Credit: GettyBakole has stepped in for Daniel Dubois, who is too ill to fightCredit: GettyThe heavyweight champ was looking to defend his IBF heavyweight world title against Parker, having triumphed over Anthony Joshua in his last match.But Dubois was ruled out of the crunch battle with illness.And Congolese star Bakole will instead fight Parker as the co-feature before Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol.Bakole was in the Congo when he got the call from Saudi Arabia and accepted immediately.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe is now travelling the 3000-mile, seven-hour journey by plane to Riyadh.And it means fans can breathe easy knowing they will not be denied a top clash at Saturday’s event.Now, boxing promoter Shalom has lifted the lid on how quickly the deal was sorted.He claims he messaged Bakole’s team while Dubois’ absence was being confirmed at a press conference.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Shalom revealed the boxer jumped at the opportunity, with contract terms agreed at lightning speed.Indeed, the promoter reckons it’s the “most ridiculous deal ever made”, with Bakole jumping in at just 48 hours’ notice and risking a second defeat on his incredible 22-1 professional record.Shakur Stevenson reacts to Floyd Schofield Jr pulling out of fight and Josh Padley replacing him Bakole will take on Joshua Parker on SaturdayCredit: GettyPromoter Ben Shalom has lifted the lid on the speed of the dealCredit: GettyShalom said: “This is the most ridiculous deal I’ve ever done. You know we like to do things, take our time.“Daniel got injured. I saw the tweet like everyone did from The Ring magazine. I actually thought ‘that’s not true’. I thought it was a stunt.“And then I was speaking to Martin’s team while I was at the press conference, while it was going on, and saying, ‘Would we take this fight?’“They’re like, ‘100 per cent we are in’. So I texted saying, ‘We’re in, we want this fight, if there’s an opportunity this is the only fight to make’.This is the most ridiculous deal I’ve ever done. You know we like to do things, take our time.Ben Shalom“A bit of back-and-forth, by then I’d forgotten there’s a press conference going on. I’ve come off, walked, done a few laps.“I’m on the phone, we got a deal done very, very quickly, no messing around. Martin want it, gets on a flight ready to go.“There’s still a lot of work to do, the medicals and all sorts but it’s happening and we’re going to get him here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s unbelievable and he deserves a huge amount of credit because no other heavyweight on planet Erath would operate like this, two days knowing he has Joseph Parker.“Martin got a call two hours ago, in the Congo… he’ll probably finish his meal and then he’ll come and that’s what he’s about.” More

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    Joseph Parker opens up on challenging family life after being forced to miss birth of all five of his children

    JOSEPH PARKER’S entire family is fuelling his bid to become the Daddy of boxing — and a two-time heavyweight world champion.The Kiwi, 33, ditched his usual Home Alone training regime for a camp with pregnant wife Laine and his five children in the Saudi Arabian desert.Joseph Parker’s dedication to his sport meant missing the births of all of his girlsCredit: GettyParker will face Martin Bakole, who replaced Daniel DuboisCredit: GettyParker was due to face Daniel Dubois on Saturday before Britain’s IBF heavyweight champ was taken sick in Riyadh.Saudi chiefs last night desperately drafted in 6ft 6in Scottish-based Congolese fighter Martin Bakole, 33, as a replacement for a non-title clash after Dubois was KO’d by a doctor.But Parker, on a thrilling resurgence since losing his WBO crown to Anthony Joshua in 2018, declared: “I’ve put in all the hard work and I’m ready to go.”Parker’s dedication to his sport meant MISSING the births of all of his girls, while he spent Christmas Day at Tyson Fury’s house when he otherwise have been all alone with a plastic tree.Read More on BoxingSo this time, he has swapped the solitude of his last nine training camps in Morecambe for get-togethers with Laine, their four daughters and son during his four-week build-up to this fight. Parker beamed: “I got to see my family every day for four weeks after training.“That gives me strength. Other fighters have to tuck themselves away, be away from their family, but I feel better having them around.“Boxing is only here for a while but your family is here forever. I don’t want to miss out on them growing up and seeing them every day.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I had a house with my training team and had my family in another house, six minutes up the road.“I had two or three hours every evening with them after a hard day’s training.Daniel Dubois given huge boost in rematching Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed titles ahead of Joseph Parker fight“It’s important to get the balance but also the rest. You can’t rest when the kids are running around.“The kids are eight, six, five, two, ten months — and one on the way. I love training and pushing my body to different levels and then being able to relax with the family.“I love being around the chaos — it’s relaxing being around that chaos.”But Parker has no plans to top pal Fury’s current brood of seven.He explained “My wife got us a home-schooling exemption so the kids could travel with us.“My wife is teaching them — she’s a superwoman, it’s crazy. Being a parent is harder than boxing. Boxing is hard but you train, get the best food, best rest and you’re in shape.“Being a parent, you’re surrounded by kids non-stop, it’s way tougher. Tyson and Paris can have the record, I’m done! I think my wife is done, she needs her body back so she can enjoy her life.” More

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    Why is Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker OFF and is fight being rearranged?

    DANIEL DUBOIS will no longer be putting his IBF heavyweight title on the line against Joseph Parker this weekend.DDD defended the belt for the first time after demolishing Anthony Joshua last September, but will not be up against Parker any more on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 card.Joseph Parker is in a hot run of form – and will be fighting a new opponentCredit: GettyWhy is Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker OFF?Daniel Dubois withdrew from his IBF heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness.DDD was forced to pull out on Thursday – just two days before his hotly anticipated mega-fight in Saudi Arabia.The 27-year-old was examined by doctors in Riyadh and has was ruled out with sickness.Parker will now fight Congolese boxer Martin Bakole, as the co-feature before Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol.Read more BoxingDubois was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and so fast-rising star Bakole will take his place in the chief support slot.Martin Bakole has stepped in to face Joseph ParkerCredit: GettyIs Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker being rearranged?Parker is still scheduled to face IBF champion Dubois next when DDD is feeling better, barring any major catastrophe against Bakole.Dubois is still set to face Parker when he’s back fitCredit: ReutersWhen is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole takes place on Saturday, February 22 from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The fight is the co-main support to the headline bout of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.It is expected that the fight will start from around 9pm GMT, with the undercard beginning from 4pm.What TV channel is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole on and can it be live streamed?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole will take place on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard, live on DAZN.The event does not require a subscription and is on pay-per-view for £19.99.Coverage gets underway from 4pm GMT.Most read in BoxingFull cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesJoseph Parker vs Martin Bakole for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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    Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard as Daniel Dubois pulled OUT last minute

    JOSEPH PARKER is now facing a new name after Daniel Dubois was forced to WITHDRAW from their huge fight.And that name is Congolese star Martin Bakole with the last-minute bout on the big Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 undercard.Martin Bakole has stepped in to face Joseph ParkerCredit: GettyParker will no longer be fighting Daniel DuboisCredit: GettyDubois was forced to pull out on Thursday – just two days before his hotly anticipated mega-fight in Saudi Arabia.DDD was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and so Bakole, 33, will take his place in the chief support slot.SunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning when a head cold was hinted at.Instead, Bakole – with a record of 21 wins and one loss from his 22 fights – steps in to fight Parker.Bakole is coming into the bout on the back of a career-best victory over Jarred Anderson in August.Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematchWhen is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole is taking place on Saturday, February 22 from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The fight is the co-main support to the headline bout of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.It is expected that the fight will start from around 9pm GMT, with the undercard beginning from 4pm.Most read in BoxingWhat TV channel and live stream is Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole on?Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole will be shown live on DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box office and TNT Sports Box office.The event is available on pay-per-view for £19.99.Is there a world title on the line for Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole?There will be NO world titles will be on the line for Parker who was attempting to become a two-time champion.Parker will still face IBF champion Dubois next when DDD is feeling better, barring any major catastrophe against Bakole.Dubois won the belt when Oleksandr Usyk gave it up last summer to pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury instead of a second fight with Dubois, whom he beat in 2023.Who is fighting on the full card?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesJoseph Parker vs Martin BakoleShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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    ‘That’s you in both photos?’ – Elle Brooke shows off incredible body transformation that led to boxing career

    ELLE BROOKE believes her loss is her gain.But fans were stunned the boxer’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures as she shed weight to get fighting fit were both her.-Elle Brooke is proud of the honed technique she’s worked hard forShe has 2m-plus fans on TikTok and nearly 1m on InstagramCredit: @ellebrookeukFans are used to selfies with less on than in the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongBrooke, seen here taking on Andrea Jane, remains fighting fitCredit: GettyThe Misfits fighter and OnlyFans star shared the snaps as she attributed her change to “Hard work and Ozempic”.Weight-loss jabs have a controversial reputation, with some celebrities taking them but medical experts launching warnings.But the influencer is proud of her transformation.However, that’s mainly because she ditched her lifestyle as a “really bad party girl” while also overcoming issues with drugs and depression.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrooke’s’s 962,000 Instagram followers were staggered by her change in appearance – as shown in a clip she posted featuring two mirror selfies.The drastic metamorphosis was no doubt helped by her decision a couple of hears ago to give up alcohol.First Brooke was seen in a typical boxer’s pose, grinning as she flexed her arm muscles, albeit only wearing lacy underwear.Then the video drifts to an image of how she looked before her new holistic lifestyle – a healthy shape in a more modest bikini.Most read in BoxingHere’s how she looked before her transformationThe Brit looked more serious and perhaps less confident in this shot, as she peered down at her phone rather than at the mirror.She summed up the altered images by adding: “Red Bull gives u… wings.”SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But “speechless” fans focused on her physical change.One said: “That’s you in both photos? Wow!! That’s incredible. Bravo!!”A second wrote: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” And others praised the Tiktok sensation for her commitment to peak conditioning.One said: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” Another reckoned: “That’s real motivation.”And a third claimed: “Consistency and determination are sexy as f, and with age, it just gets better and better.”However, Brooke might prefer that her dedication and honed body make sparks fly in the boxing ring.She first picked up her gloves for a victory over AJ Bunker in July 2022 and has since also dabbled with bareknuckle fighting.Brooke has since told the Sun of her emotional and physcial jounrey.She said: “From going out every week to the pub, going clubbing, sniffing tons of cocaine, ketamine… to the other side, watching what you put in your body, dieting, health and exercise, regular routine.“Routine is my favourite thing about boxing. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gives me structure. Now I just live a boring life. She added: “I was at one point on antidepressants, taking sertraline before I started boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I was relying on a pill everyday to make me happy and so I didn’t have like dark, suicidal thoughts whereas now I have those good days and I have those bad days but it’s more about training and what I’m focusing on.“So boxing really has changed my life.”She offers fans frills and spills out of the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongNot even Elle can do without white trainersCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke has put many problems behind her for a new lifestyleCredit: RexShe was an elegant visitor to WimbledonCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong More

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    Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

    BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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    Three emergency Daniel Dubois replacements lined up to face Joseph Parker after Brit falls ill days before fight

    THREE emergency replacements have been lined up to replace Daniel Dubois amid concern he could be about to pull out of his fight with Joseph Parker.Dubois’ heavyweight bout is in jeopardy after news broke that the Brit fighter is SICK and being evaluated by doctors.Daniel Dubois’ fight with Joseph Parker is in jeopardy after the brit fell sickCredit: GettyThree replacements have been touted for Joseph Parker to take onCredit: GettyAnd with organisers scrambling to ensure they still have an event to put on, reports claim that three fighters have already been eyed to step in for Dubois, should he pull out.According to Ring Magazine, Parker could face one of Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye or Mourad Aliev instead.Okolie, 32, is set to fight Richard Riakporhe at Co-op Live in Manchester in April, but could still step into the ring in Riyadh this weekend.London-born big-hitter David Adeleye is also scheduled to fight on the Manchester card, but is still thought to be available to cover for Dubois.READ MORE IN BOXINGUndefeated Aliev, 29, last fought in December and is the only one that doesn’t have a fight already penned in his calendar.However, the Frenchman has never fought outside of Europe before.For now, it remains unconfirmed as to whether Dubois’ illness will stop the fight from going ahead.And a source close to the camp told SunSport: “Nothing is confirmed yet.Most read in BoxingParker’s potential opponentsBy Jack FiggLAWRENCE OKOLIEThe 2016 Olympian held the WBO cruiserweight title for three fights and two years before moving up in weight.Okolie then won the WBC bridgerweight belt – just below heavyweight – before joining the blue riband division.The 6ft 5in powerhouse then packed on the pounds to 18st 6lb in his heavyweight debut to announce himself to his new-found rivals.Okolie – recently signed to Frank Warren – is due to fight Richard Riakphore on April 5 and in camp training.DAVID ADALEYEThe 6ft 4in Londoner was one of the most in-demand sparring partner for the top stars – including Tyson Fury.And Fury once dubbed Adeleye the ‘future’ of the heavyweight division.Adeleye went 12 fights unbeaten before losing to Fabio Wardley in October 2023 – but he bounced back with a vicious KO of Solomon Dacres in December.He is also in training – for April 5 – to fight Jamie TKV.MOURAD ALIEVThe Frenchman is the outsider with a 13-0 record – with all but three coming by KO.As an amateur, he boxed in the Europeans and won silver before turning pro in 2021.His last fight was in December.Lawrence Okolie could replace DuboisCredit: PADavid Adeleye has also been touted to step upCredit: PAFrance’s Mourad Aliev is another optionCredit: AFPDubois vs Parker: Ring walk, TV channel and full card – everything you need to know for the massive heavyweight title fightCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But IF Daniel cannot fight, then it will be rearranged very quickly.”Should Dubois be ruled out, that would mean no world title would be on the line for Parker who is attempting to become a two-time champion.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsThe New Zealander won the WBO belt almost a decade ago before losing it to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.Dubois showed no signs of illness during his media duties in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, and even told the press that he is “ready to go”.On Wednesday, he said: “I’m flying. I feel really confident, ready to go. The talking is done, it’s time to go to work.”I’m expecting just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go through him and put him to sleep. Just go for the next one. I’m hungry.”SunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning when a head cold was hinted at.The stacked card in Saudi Arabia has already seen one pull-out.Shakur Stevenson’s opponent Floyd Schofield Jr backed out of his bout earlier in the week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 22-year-old failed to turn up to grand arrivals and has since officially withdrawn from the fight after being hospitalised with illness.England’s part-time electrician Josh Padley has since flown in and will attempt a fairytale story as a huge underdog. More