Lennox Lewis Weighs In On Martin Bakole's Showing: "He Lacked One Crucial Element"

Parker hoped to become a two-time world champion by beating Dubois. But after the first public workout, Dubois came down with a virus. Bakole jumped at the chance and flew to Saudi Arabia on incredibly short notice to face Parker instead.

The fight started with Bakole landing some shots and bloodying Parker's nose. But in the second round, Parker caught Bakole with a heavy right hand to the top of his head. The punch sent Bakole wobbling to the canvas.

Though Bakole beat the count, he remained unsteady on his feet. His corner told the referee to stop the fight, giving Parker the win.

Former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis shared his thoughts on the outcome while commentating for BoxNation:

"Great punch. Bakole had his hands down and he just took a last-minute fight. I wouldn't have took a last-minute fight like that. I would have been prepared for that."

Parker will look to quickly reschedule his IBF world title shot at Dubois as soon as the Brit recovers. Dubois might push for an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk, who stopped him back in August 2023.

Bakole plans to take a week's rest before facing Ede Ajagba in May. That fight will no longer be an IBF final eliminator due to this loss.