Hear Martin Bakole's first words since shock Joseph Parker fight announcement

Published: Feb 21, 2025

Martin Bakole is looking to 'shock' the boxing world when he takes on Joseph Parker on Saturday night live on DAZN PPV.

Riyadh Season's Last Crescendo was thrown into chaos on Thursday night after IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw from his title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness.

Parker will still fight on Saturday's card, but instead of Dubois, he will face Martin Bakole who is flying into Riyadh on two days' notice.

Bakole received the call while on holiday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and he has since taken to social media to give his reaction along with confirming that he is in transit to Saudi Arabia.

View post on Instagram

"This is it, this is it, unbelievable. It looks like I'm dreaming," Bakole said.

"I'm not dreaming. I think I'll shock the world tomorrow.

"I'm a boxer, a boxer is like a soldier, any time they ask you to go to war, always be ready, thank you so much."

Bakole is considered one of the heavyweight division's most avoided fighters, and he added to this mantra after he stopped the highly touted American Jared Anderson in August.

Watch Parker vs Bakole and full Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV

Watch Parker vs Bakole and the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Beterbiev vs Bivol, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

The PPV is available to buy now at £19.99 in UK and $25.99 in US.

Buying the DAZN PPV offers a range of extra benefits. including alternative commentary options with Adam Smith or True Geordie or Showbizz the Adult ; local language commentary; entry to a prize draw for tickets to Chris Eubank Jr. vs Connor Benn* (for UK only); and a seven-day free trial of the full DAZN platform.

Watch the fight night anywhere with DAZN via smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and PC's / laptops.

For PPV costs in your country and to buy now, click here .

*UK only. Restrictions apply. See T&Cs on help.dazn.com. Full T&C's here