The heavyweight boxing scene in Riyadh has been thrown into disarray, but one thing is certain: Joseph Parker’s interim WBO heavyweight title is still on the line. After Daniel Dubois’s sudden withdrawal due to illness, Martin Bakole has stepped in, and the WBO has officially sanctioned the bout, confirming Parker’s belt will be at stake.
This wasn’t the original plan. Parker was set to challenge Dubois for the IBF title, with a temporary understanding that he’d retain his interim WBO strap until entering the ring. However, with Dubois out, the focus shifts entirely to the WBO.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed Bakole’s eligibility, highlighting his high ranking and availability. Bakole, originally slated for an IBF eliminator against Efe Ajagba, now finds himself with a shot at Parker’s interim title. Notably, Zhilei Zhang, the top-ranked WBO contender, is already committed to a fight for the interim WBC title, clearing the path for Bakole.
The IBF, meanwhile, is left to navigate its mandatory challenger situation in the wake of Dubois’s withdrawal. This unexpected turn of events adds another layer of intrigue to an already chaotic fight week.
Adding to the drama, this isn’t the only late change on the card. Floyd Schofield’s hospitalization forced him to withdraw from his fight against Shakur Stevenson, with Josh Padley stepping in as a last-minute replacement.
Despite the disruptions, the main event remains intact: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will clash in a highly anticipated rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, a battle that sees two of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite go head-to-head.
