Joseph Parker showcased his supreme punching power with a thunderous second-round knockout against Martin Bakole during a high-stakes match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2025. In what proved to be a spectacular display of precision and force, Parker, the heavyweight fighter from New Zealand, clocked Bakole with a crisp overhand right at the 2:17 mark of the second round, sending his rival sprawling onto the canvas and sealing the fight.
The background to this impressive win was a dramatic last-minute switch, with Bakole stepping up to fill in for the originally slated contender, Daniel Dubois, who had to withdraw due to illness just two days before the fight. Unfortunately for Bakole, his insufficient preparation time was palpable, as conditioning quickly became his Achilles heel. Even though he put up a brave effort, Bakole's corner ultimately conceded after the referee halted the bout.
This victory represents more than just a win on paper for Parker — it strengthens his credentials in the heavyweight division significantly. Already on a six-fight winning streak, Parker’s recent victories over heavy hitters like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have put him squarely in the spotlight. His post-fight comments were bold and clear; he set his sights on a world title match, calling out Oleksandr Usyk. 'I want to fight for a world title. If Usyk wants a dance partner, we’ll get Frank Warren in here,' Parker declared, fully aware that Usyk and Anthony Joshua were among the spectators at ringside.
Many are now speculating about Parker's next moves in the heavyweight realm. With Tyson Fury’s status as uncertain, a rematch with Anthony Joshua is on the horizon as a lucrative option, providing Fury remains out of the picture. This bout in Riyadh wasn’t just a win, it was a statement — Parker is ready and capable of challenging the best in the division for a shot at the world title.
