Parker didn't waste any time in the co-main event fight. He landed a powerful overhand right in the second round that shook Bakole to his core. The Congolese-born fighter stumbled and fell off balance, prompting his trainer Billy Nelson to throw in the towel.
The quick finish came as a surprise to many, especially considering the last-minute change in opponents. Parker was originally set to face IBF Heavyweight World Champion Daniel Dubois, but Dubois took unwell just two days before the fight. Bakole stepped in as a replacement, and many in the sport thought his heavy hands might cause an upset.
Parker, however, had other plans. He decided to trade punches with Bakole, proving he could match power with power. This strategy paid off in spectacular fashion.
Anthony Joshua, who beat Parker to unify heavyweight belts in 2018, expressed his amazement at the outcome.
"100% you have to be surprised," Joshua said. "Look at Joseph Parker's journey. He rose to the top of the game, had a slight setback, and now he's come back to compete for championship honors. That takes a lot of courage and discipline. Credit to him and his team because he's done an amazing job tonight."
Parker's recent run in the heavyweight division has been nothing short of impressive. He's defeated three of the division's biggest punchers in succession: Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and now Martin Bakole. After the fight, Parker made it clear he's ready for anyone in the division.
This victory cements Parker's position as a serious contender in the heavyweight ranks. His comeback story, from setbacks to stunning victories, shows the resilience and skill that make him a force to be reckoned with in boxing's premier weight class.