Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker has set his sights on regaining a world heavyweight title after scoring a second-round win over Martin Bakole in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Parker ended the fight in the second round after landing a glancing blow to the top of Congolese boxer Bakole’s head, sending him stumbling to the canvas before the referee called a halt to the bout — which came on short notice after Parker’s original opponent Daniel Dubois was ruled out on the eve of the contest due to illness.
The win adds to Parker’s recent career resurgence which has seen him also score wins over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder to improve his record to an impressive 36-3 (losses to Joe Joyce, Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua) and speaking afterwards, he made clear his objectives at this point of his career.
“Who’s next? Can I fight for the world title next? If Usyk wants a dance partner, I’d like to fight for the world title,” Parker said.
However, in comments to Boxing Scene Oleksandr Usyk indicated a preference to take on IBF champion Dubois next — a fighter he already holds a victory over, but which would give him a chance to regain the undisputed heavyweight championship he initially won last year in his first bout with Tyson Fury.
“I want the next fight with Daniel Dubois, undisputed,” Usyk added.
Speaking separately, Parker said that his recent body of work should indicate that he is next for a shot at Usyk. “For me, they’re great performances. There’s people who say they’re great wins and there’s people who say Wilder was past his best; Zhang is an old man; Bakole came in [at] late notice.
“You can’t please everyone, but that doesn’t matter as long as you’re doing what you think is right. I’ve been on a great run and I’ve turned my whole career around. I’ve dedicated my life to boxing. Working, building on strength, endurance — I’ve lifted to another level.”
