Joseph Parker makes light work of Martin Bakole with second-round stoppage
Joseph Parker stopped Martin Bakole in round two of their Riyadh bout to retain his interim WBO heavyweight title.
The New Zealand boxer was initially down to face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, but the Briton pulled out of the fight on Thursday, citing illness.
Up stepped 33-year-old Congolese fighter Bakole, who got off to a sluggish start but looked more assured when he landed a big hit to end round one.
Bakole’s evening came to a quick conclusion, however, after Parker sent him flying with a huge right hook to the head for the swift technical knockout.
The result means Parker becomes the WBO mandatory challenger for full title-holder Oleksandr Usyk.
12:13 AM GMT
A great fight to end a brilliant night of boxing
Fantastic fight, could have gone either way. Best thing of all – we get to see the trilogy between these two modern masters. The card was sensational from top to bottom.
12:05 AM GMT
Bivol speaks to DAZN - ‘I am ready for any challenge’
“I just am so happy. I went through it a lot in the last years. Thank you everyone so much. I appreciate everyone so much and everyone who supports me here, thank you.
“To be honest, I lost and I feel a little bit easier maybe. I didn’t pressure too much this time. I wanted to work from the first round to the end of the twelfth. I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was more confident and I was lighter. I wanted to win so much today.
“I told myself he could stay from the beginning to disturb me. It was hard to keep him in the distance and then I saw that he was tired also. I had to be smarter and punch more clean punches and I did.
“Every person in my camp helped me a lot. Everything was on my side. Everyone in my team was important.
“I’m ready for any challenge. I want a little bit of rest because I had some injuries in the summer and this time I had injuries. I want to heal myself and come back.”
11:58 PM GMT
Bivol’s jab...
...did a lot of the work in that win.
11:51 PM GMT
BIVOL WINS!
114-114 Draw
116-112 Bivol
115-113 Bivol
Bivol gets his revenge and is the new undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
11:50 PM GMT
The DAZN commentary team have it as a Bivol win or a draw
We’re about to find out what the judges think...
11:49 PM GMT
Round 12: Beterbiev ends on top
Can Beterbiev pull a rabbit out of the hat (if that is what he needs? It’s been a close contest...)? He’s on the front foot and he lands a few good body shots. Both end the contest giving it their all, with a flurry of punches and when the bell sounds they embrace.
That was a high-class bout. Bravo to both...
Beterbiev 10-9
Beterbiev 7-5 in rounds
11:44 PM GMT
Round 11: Bivol’s to lose?
Six minutes to go in this brilliant fight. Bivol is commanding the centre of the ring, he’s paced himself and had a great last few rounds. He lands with a jab and then a right. But Beterbiev connects with a right of his own. This is going the distance.
Bivol 10-9
11:41 PM GMT
Round 10: Bivol taking the attack to Beterbiev once again
This is still so tight. Can Beterbiev find a second wind? He’s 40, has this tiring bout taken it out of him? The movement he showed earlier is no longer there. He needs body shots to slow Bivol down, but he cannot find them and it’s Bivol who is the one landing the blows. Bivol’s jabs are still doing the job and he ends the round again on the attack. With two rounds to go he is the man currently going to win this.
Beterbiev 10-9
11:36 PM GMT
Round Nine: Bivol now on top
Bivol carries the momentum from the last round into this one. He’s using Beterbiev coming towards him to his advantage, picking him off as and when he can. Bivol then land s flurry of punches, eye-catching quality there. This is yet another fine fight. With a minute to go Bivol again takes the attack to his opponent and Beterbiev tries to fight back but is punching air. Bivol has come back into this brilliantly, it’s his round again.
Bivol 10-9
11:32 PM GMT
Round Eight: Bivol still in this fight
Bivol still has speed and class and lands with a three-punch combination on the back foot - a reminder that this is still anyone’s fight. Indeed, he gets through again and he’s the one being more proactive now. Theis is ebbing and flowing as having written that Bivol is on the front foot Beterbiev lands a right hand over the top, following up with a jab. Beterbiev is hunting him but that was Bivol’s best round for a while.
Bivol 10-9
11:29 PM GMT
Round Seven: Beterbiev on top
Both men are trying to command the centre of the ring, but Beterbiev is the more active of the pair and it’s Bivol on the back foot. Beterbiev ;ands with several left jabs and again, he’s the one on top.
Beterbiev 10-9
Champ giving everything 👑#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Feb 22, live NOW on DAZN: Click link in bio to buy | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/bLxh6YDrL7
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 22, 2025
11:24 PM GMT
Round Six: Bivol with a great response
Beterbiev has thrown nearly twice as many punches as Bivol, Beterbiev remains on the front foot but as I type that Bivol responds with a good combination. He continues he fine response and Beterbiev has a cut near his eye. Fine response from Bivol.
Beterbiev 10-9
11:20 PM GMT
Round Five: Bivol up against it
Beterbiev again starts the round on the front foot, this is the tempo he needs. He’s landing body shots and for a while Bivol can only backtrack. He weathers the storm and finds the centre of the ring, stopping his opponent’s momentum. He does that well but Beterbiev hits him with a right hook. He follows that up with two rights and two body shots. He is well on top now and Bivol is relieved when the bell sounds.
Beterbiev 10 -9
11:16 PM GMT
Round Four: Beterbiev with the momentum
Beterbiev is landing more and more with his right hand. He’s taken the momentum from the end of the third into the start of the fourth, Bivol, on top for the first two rounds, is now on the backfoot against the ropes. It’s Beterbiev making all the running now, he lands with a body shot and follows that up with one to the head. There’s another flurry of punches from both as the round ends. This is a cracking contest already.
Beterbiev 10-9
11:13 PM GMT
Round Three: Bout brewing brilliantly
Has Beterbiev woken up? He’s starts this round better than the first two but Bivol keeps on landing with his trusty jab, a shot that will take it out of Beterbiev the longer this bout goes on. Bivol’s combinations are causing his opponent trouble. BUT Beterbiev lands at least two big blows and that was a great finish to the round, with the crowd on their feet when the bell sounds.
Beterbiev 10-9
11:08 PM GMT
Round Two: Bivol continues impressive start
Bivol is a good mover and he’s fast on his feet at the start of this round. The man from Kyrgyzstan is making all the early running here and as I type that he lands a lovely right hand. Beterbiev has the power, but we’re yet to see it so far. Bivol displays a good combination and he’s still on top, the jab keeps on finding its target.
Bivol 10-9
11:05 PM GMT
Round One: Bivol off to a good start
Beterbiev needs to start faster but it’s a cagey opening from both. The lead hand from Bivol then begins to work its magic, he’s prodding away and landing the jab. That shot is the key to this bout, but Beterbiev is on the frontfoot as the bell goes. Bivol’s round, however.
Bivol 10-9
10:52 PM GMT
Ring walk time for Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol
Michael Buffer (who else?) is the MC. I assume he does the duties at all his mates’ weddings...
10:45 PM GMT
The moment Parker knew it was over
10:42 PM GMT
Parker speaks to DAZN - ‘How can I fight for the world title next?’
“I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team. Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight.
“I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m healthy thanks to these men. Andy [Lee] was breaking it down for me.
“Who’s next? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.
“Andy gave me the instruction to be patient and I caught him when he came.”
10:40 PM GMT
Now it’s time for the big one...
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol; For the undisputed light heavyweight title fight, for Beterbiev’s WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring belts
10:35 PM GMT
Parker deserves title shot
Joseph Parker looked very sharp and deserves his shot at the world title now, even though Daniel Dubois might fight Oleksandr Usyk next for the undisputed crown.
Martin Bakole was horribly out of shape and Parker’s right hand did for him...
10:32 PM GMT
How the (short) fight was won
10:29 PM GMT
Bakole was giving as good as he got...
...before Parker’s right sent him to the canvas. The DAZN commentary team are saying that was the sort of shot that he would have been able to deal with had he trained/trained properly for the fight.
10:26 PM GMT
Parker stops Bakole in the second!
Parker comes out quickly on the front foot, he lands a couple but Bakole seems fine. The Congolose fighter is trying to walk the Kiwi down and there is blood coming from Parker’s nose. Bakole then lands a body shot after nearly landing an uppercut.
Then Parker lands with a right hook on top of the head and Bakole is down. He gets back up but the referee is having none of it and the fight is over...
10:23 PM GMT
Round One: Cagey start from both
They have sparred together so know each other well. But how much will the late call-up and late arrival effect the result?
Here we go. Bakole is by far the bigger man, he starts slowly, how many rounds does he have in him? He needs to start strongly, but it’s a quiet opening from both boxers. Cagey from both, just feeling each other out.
Parker lands a couple of body shots in a far-from-entertaining opening.
Parker 10-9
10:15 PM GMT
It’s ring walk time!
Of course it’s Michael Buffer to announce the two protagonists into the ring...
First up it’s Martin Bakole who only landed in Riyadh at 2am this morning BUT says he’s ‘ready to shock the world’.
Then it’s Joseph Parker, the favourite. But he must be aware that the Congolese is a potential banana skin.
10:11 PM GMT
AJ says...
...this will play out like the Kabayel-Zhang fight. Bakole playing the Zhang role (bigger man) needing a KO as he doesn’t think the man from the Congo with be fit enough to go the distance.
10:09 PM GMT
The rise of the machines...
Fans can chat to the 4th judge during the Beterbiev-Bivol contest...
Very interesting.
A new frontier in boxing analysis is here 🥊 The Ring's 4th Ai Judge returns for The Last Crescendo, delivering live insights on every punch, every jab, and every round 🤖
Experience this innovative interactive tool after the fight at https://t.co/mOs5FJHEEW pic.twitter.com/x6OaYivRsG— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 22, 2025
10:08 PM GMT
Now time for Parker vs Bakole
Anthony Joshua is currently on the screen and he says the Congolese boxer will be dangerous having been called up with two days to go. He’s got nothing to lose.
09:59 PM GMT
Valiant from Padley
Josh Padley put up a terrific show against Shakur Stevenson. Proud showing from the sparky from Doncaster. Down three times in the ninth through body shots the towel finally came in from his corner.
09:57 PM GMT
Stevenson stops Padely in the eighth
Yet more guts from Padley who keeps on having a go. But that revives the American and the Briton goes down. He gets back up. It’s only a temporary reprieve, however, as the fight is stopped a minute later as the towel comes in from his corner.
That was a valiant performance from Padley.
09:53 PM GMT
Round Eight: Briton hangning in there
Padley keeps coming forward whenever he has a chance, but Stevenson keeps landing the body shots and, for good measure, an uppercut as well. But the Briton will not easily fold.
09:49 PM GMT
Round Seven: American goes up a gear
Stevenson is slowly turning the screw, he’s hurt Padley with body shot after body shot, but the Briton is giving a great account of himself.
09:45 PM GMT
Round Six: Padley giving as good as he gets
They breed ‘em tough is Yorkshire, Padely is having a really good go (remember he was only called up for this fight on Tuesday). But Stevenson is landing a lot of good body shots. As I type that the Yorkshire terrier throws a great combination, once again illustrating that the American cannot assume victory will be his.
09:41 PM GMT
Round Five: Stevenson ups the ante
Padley has far from disgraced himself here and he’s having another go and matching Stevenson at the moment. But then Stevenson lands a huge left after a few body shots and the American, it seems, has decided enough is enough. The bell arrives at just the right time for the Briton.
09:36 PM GMT
Round Four: Quieter round
Really good combination from Padley early on in this round. Quieter round, both fighters taking a breather.
09:32 PM GMT
Round Three: Briton not overawed
Padley is getting punches off, but Stevenson is still on top. The Yorkshireman came into this fight saying he’s not there ‘to make up the numbers’ and he’s lands a good body shot to Stevenson. Padley is having a go here, he’s trying to box his way into contention, and whatever happens he’s certainly not overawed by the occasion. Stevenson lands a big left just before the bell.
09:30 PM GMT
Round Two: American landing punches
Stevenson is beginning to find his rhythm here, the American lands a right, then a left. Still, decent enough start from Padley
09:25 PM GMT
Round One: Solid start from the Briton
Stevenson is so quick and sharp, this will be a big test for Padley. The Briton is having a go, it’s an unexpected fight, he’s come into this with zero pressure and it’s a good opening round for him.
09:17 PM GMT
Questionable decision - terrible judging
Sheeraz fought a very skilled and dextrous WBC champion in Adames. The Briton was not active enough and threw too few combinations to get the draw. The champion made himself an active and smaller target. Sheeraz tried to gamble late on, but it was too little, too late.
I had it 118-110 Adames.
No way do I see that as a split draw, that was terrible judging.
09:15 PM GMT
It’s now time for...
...Shakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley; For Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title
Briton Padley, the Doncaster electrician, only knew he was fighting tonight on Tuesday. He’s undefeated but if he beats the American it will be a huge shock.
09:10 PM GMT
It’s a split draw!
115-114 - Sheeraz
118-110 - Adames
114-114 - Draw
Didn’t see that coming, Sheeraz clearly did more in the early rounds that I gave him credit for.
09:05 PM GMT
Round 12: Adames does enough, but it’s over to the judges...
All or nothing for Sheeraz now, he needs the KO for the win...can he pull the rabbit out of the hat? He starts well, on the front foot. But Adames is experienced and comes back into the round and lands a beautiful left-right combination.
It’s all over and Adames has won that. Sheeraz started well, but that was a step up for the Briton.
09:01 PM GMT
Round 11: Better from Sheeraz, but he still needs KO to win
Six minutes for Sheeraz to turn this bout around. Sheeraz lands a couple but Adames responds with a flurry of punches, that’s how champions react. For some reason the Briton is holding back, but as I type that he lands one that takes Adames by surprise, that’s more like it.
08:57 PM GMT
Round 10: Champion upping the ante
The confidence has gone from Sheeraz, he needs to land a few punches early on to try and restore some belief. This fight can still be won but the Briton has to strike sooner, rather than later. It’s Adames, however, who is landing the bigger blows, he’s varying his shots and the experience is showing.
08:53 PM GMT
Round Nine: More dominance from Adames
There are worried looks from Sheeraz’s corner as Adames is now well on top. The champion, however, gets a telling off for a low blow. Frank Warren, his promoter, is screming at the Briton to throw in the uppercut.
08:49 PM GMT
Round Eight: Adames posing Sheeraz tough questions
Adames again on top, he’s landing more shots, and, importantly, more head shots. He takes another round and Sheeraz is learning a lot in the ring right now. It’s still pretty close overall, though.
08:45 PM GMT
Round Seven: Champion again on top
Sheeraz needs a response here, he was too passive in the last round and again he’s on the back foot early in these three-minutes. Adames is controlling the centre of the ring and the champion is is growing into this bout.
08:41 PM GMT
Round Six: Adames goes up a gear
Adames lands more in this round, Sheeraz is too passive, perhaps he’s feeling the pace a bit? The Briton is trying to weather this little flurry from the champion. That was Adames’s best round.
08:38 PM GMT
Round Five: Sheeraz still dominating
Bigger blows are landing, a one from Sheeraz at the end of the round which prompts Adames to goad the Briton. Still impressive from Sheeraz.
08:33 PM GMT
Round Four: Briton on top
Sheeraz is growing in confidence, he’s gliding around the ring and he’s winning this fight.
This was a step up in class for the Briton, but he’s displaying no nerves. He’s been smart and intelligent and landing more and more jabs.
08:29 PM GMT
Round 3: Closely fought fight
Adames is controlling the centre of the ring, he’s being patient, with Sheeraz being the taller fighter. Another close round
08:25 PM GMT
Round Two: Sheeraz improving, good start from the Briton
Better from Sheeraz, he got in closer and landed a few shots. Still no fireworks in this bout, but Adames gets in a few big blows.
08:20 PM GMT
Round One: Cagey start
Sheeraz has a great jab but he’s not got close enough to the champion to really land it. A caagey opening from both boxers.
08:11 PM GMT
Next up is..
...Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz; For Adames’ WBC middleweight title
Briton Sheeraz is unbeaten in 21 bouts, he’s won 17 of those by KO. He’s highly rated, but this is a major step up.
08:05 PM GMT
Ortiz Jr wins it!
It’s a unanimous decision for the American who remains unbeaten.
08:02 PM GMT
Skill, will and class
Ortiz Jr versus Madrimov combined skill and will, elusiveness and predatory instincts. Both men made of granite, it got more thriller the longer it went. I had this 116-112 to Ortiz. Top level fight.
08:02 PM GMT
It’s down to the judges
I think Ortiz Jr has done enough after a slow start. Madrimov, however, more than proved he is a boxer to watch out for.
BUT yet another fine fight...for once something is living up to the hype.
07:56 PM GMT
One round to go
And this has seesawed as well (the earlier Smith-Buatsi bout was equally topsy-turvy). Much better from Madrimov who, whatever, the result, has proved his class tonight.
07:53 PM GMT
Ortiz Jr pulling away
The American has just dominated the 10th round and Madrimov needs a KO to win now.
07:48 PM GMT
Ortiz Jr back on top
Ortiz Jr dominates the ninth. But as I type that Madrimov lands a big right, and the Texan responds with a body punch and right combo. Big round that.
07:44 PM GMT
After eight rounds
Madrimov has come back, he’s enjoying it now after a few tough rounds. He needed to come out and push Ortiz Hr back and he’s done just that.
07:41 PM GMT
Pressure starting to tell on Madrimov
Ortiz Jr in now on top, after seven rounds, the Uzbek has a lot to do if he’s going to turn this around.
07:34 PM GMT
After five rounds
Ortiz Jr is coming more into this. This is a more cagey fight compared the brilliant first two bouts.
07:25 PM GMT
After three rounds
I make it at least two rounds to the Uzbek, Madrimov.
07:20 PM GMT
Ortiz Jr cannot get going at the moment
He’s a couple of rounds down against Madrimov. He has work to do, no need to panic just yet, but not an ideal start from the American.
07:18 PM GMT
Uysk gives Kabayel the thumbs up
07:11 PM GMT
Old buddies catching up
Friends reunited 😉@anthonyjoshua x @usykaa #BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Feb 22, live NOW on DAZN: Click link in bio to buy | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/rS27XynzKf
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 22, 2025
07:10 PM GMT
Next up is...
...Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov; For Ortiz Jr’s WBC world interim super welterweight title.
07:06 PM GMT
Great fight, as Kabayel proves his class
Wow – watching that live was incredible from my seat three rows from the ring. Kabayel took the fight to Zhang after round one. He attacked the huge Chinese fighter’s body, survived a knockdown in round five and then went back to head and body until Big Bang could not breathe. Brilliant Agit. Take a bow.
06:58 PM GMT
That was the first time Zhang has been stopped in his life
That was another great bout.
Both fighters played their part, but Kabayel is clearly the coming man in this division.
06:57 PM GMT
Round Six: KABAYEL WINS IT
Kabayel lands a series of body shots but a counter left hand from Zhang finds its target. The German is on top but he has to be careful about walking into one of Zhang’s big shots...
Kabayel keeps on plugging away and he’s done it! Too many punches landing and it’s over as the referee stops the fight.
06:53 PM GMT
Round Five: Kabayel sent to the canvas
Zhang is spent...but as I type that he catches Kabayel with a short hook and the German falls to the canvas! I thought the Chinese boxer was about to be stopped BUT he comes back with a booming shot and he’s the one now trying to finish this bout. Another fine fight!
The German comes back well, however, and works his way back into the round, he finishes the stronger.
They said this was a great undercard and they were not wrong.
06:49 PM GMT
Round Four: Kabayel on top
Kabayel is trying to impose himself on Zhang and it looks as though it’s working. The German is getting in close and nullifying the threat of the Chinese boxer’s longer arms. There’s blood coming from Zhang’s nose...
06:46 PM GMT
Round Three: German frustrating Zhang
Kabayel is standing his ground and trying to push Khang back, rather than using his speed as expected. The German is annoying the Chinese boxer...
06:42 PM GMT
Round Two: Kabayel works his way back in
Zhang is breathing heavily already (or am I being harsh?), but he’s still throwing a some big punches which Kabayel is absorbing well. Probably a round each...
06:39 PM GMT
Round One: Zhang with fast start
This is a clash of styles and it’s a fast start from Zhilei Zhang, who at 41 has surprised the smaller man, Kabayel. Good start from the the Chinese.
06:35 PM GMT
Smith the deserved winner
Amazing fight with both giving their all. Smith was brilliant finding great angles in a brutal war. Head and body attacks from both. Wonderful fight which has ignited the arena.
I had the fight closer but Smith deserved his victory over Buatsi. That was the very best of Smith.
06:30 PM GMT
It’s now time for...
...Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel ; For the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title.
06:22 PM GMT
Have we already had the best fight of the night?
Hope not, but that was a cracking bout.
06:21 PM GMT
Smith wins by unanimous decision!
Callum Smith is the new WBO light heavyweight interim title and ends Buatsi’s undefeated record.
06:18 PM GMT
Round 12: Fight goes the distance - great bout!
All to fight for, can one of them prevent the judges from having to make a decision. It’s Smith who is trying to do just that with a great left, followed up with a great right hand. But back come the Londoner, he’s on the front foot...both are going for it, this has been a fine fight. Both boxers have played their part. Smith is landing more punches, both are exhausted, Buatsi is feeling this.
Great fight - take a bow both of you!
Think Smith just edges it...but it’s the judges opinions that matter...
06:13 PM GMT
Round 11: Both looking tired, three minutes to go
This pair are so well evenly matched. Now it’s all about keeping your composure...who can do that here and now?
Buatsi gets Smith with a right hook and then follow it up with a shot to the back of the head which earns him a reprimand from the referee. Both look spent out there, but it’s Buatsi is the one coming forward and the more proactive. But as I type that Smith is the one landing a couple of punches.
We’re going the distance...
06:09 PM GMT
Round 10: Better from Buatsi
Think Buatsi needs a KO to win this, can he summon on in this 10th round?
He’s definitely boxing better this round, he lands a good left to the body and these are good signs for the Londoner. Buatsi is on the attack as the round nears its finish, but Smith lands two good punches...
06:05 PM GMT
Round Nine: Smith landing some big right hands
The pace has slowed from Buatsi, Smith is fighting with the higher tempo and he is showing a lot of desire in there. The Scouser then lands a big right hand and the Londoner takes it well. Both, especially Buatsi, showing show strong chins.
06:01 PM GMT
Round Eight: Still anyone’s fight
Who is going to push that little bit harder? Smith gets Buatsi with a right, then a left and then another right, he’s upping the ante. Buatsi then gets Smith with a god combination - this fight is see-sawing...
05:57 PM GMT
Round Seven: Brewing nicely
It’s anyone’s fight now - they both know they can hurt each other and it’s a physically demanding bout. After the last round it seems as thought they both used that round to take a much-needed breather.
05:54 PM GMT
Round Six: Smith starts well, Buatsi finishes the stronger
Smith has thrown 285 to Buatsi’s 218 punches at the start of this round and is, by the looks of it, tiring Buatsi. He’s hurt the Londoner, who is starting to unravel. Smith is well on top now, there’s a minute to go and he is turning the screw. He’s throwing a lot of right hands, they’re not KO punches but are taking their toll on Buatsi. BUT then Buatsi lands big left look and he finishes the round the stronger. Great fight this...
05:49 PM GMT
Round Five: Both showing class
Smith is starting to go through the gears and hurting Buatsi. But the Londoner is coping well, until that is he takes a big right-hand from the Scouser. Both men now giving as good as they get.
05:45 PM GMT
Round Four: High-class bout developing
High-level boxing being shown from both here. As I type that Buatsi throws a great left hook. There’s now what looks like a cut to the right eye for Smith.
Smith just edges that.
05:42 PM GMT
Round Three: Better from Smith
Smith gets Buatsi with three consecutive shots. But Buatsi replies with with a couple of decent blows himself. Both showing good skill and power, this could go all the way.
I reckon its two rounds to Buatsi and one to Smith.
05:37 PM GMT
Round Two: Buatsi with a good start
Another good round from Buatsi. He won the first round, I reckon, and he’s backed that up with another dominant display in the second.
05:35 PM GMT
Our man in Riyadh
Incredible card coming up tonight here in Riyadh... #TheLastCrescendo
Follow the live blog on @Telegraph @TelegraphSport
Who you got in the seven magnificeny fights ? pic.twitter.com/TjT0Bj09VP— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) February 22, 2025
05:33 PM GMT
Round One: Buatsi with a good start
Strong, aggressive start from Buatsi, who is holding the centre of the ring for most of the opener.
05:30 PM GMT
Big British bout this
Buatsi against compatriot Smith.
05:27 PM GMT
First up is...
...Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith.
Smith is hoping to take the WBO light heavyweight interim title from Buatsi’s.
05:19 PM GMT
The undercard
It has been billed as the ‘greatest undercard of all-time’ and without further ado here it is...
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol ; Undisputed light heavyweight title fight, for Beterbiev’s WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring belts
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole ; For Parker’s WBO interim world title
Shakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley ; For Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz ; For Adames’ WBC middleweight title
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov ; For Ortiz Jr’s WBC world interim super welterweight title
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel ; For the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith ; For Buatsi’s WBO light heavyweight interim title
04:16 PM GMT
No trash talk as polite Parker gears up for unexpected opponent
Ahead of a big fight the pre-bout chatter is usually summarised in two words: trash talk. But this time, understandably, it is not.
Joseph Parker was supposed to be facing Daniel Dubois in the ring tonight. But the British IBF heavyweight champion has had to pull out due to illness and in his place, at the 11th hour, has stepped Martin Bakole.
In the circumstances pantomime threats and the typical bluster are hardly appropriate and so, for once, the chat ahead of the Riyad fight is all rather polite.
“To Daniel Dubois, I hope he gets better soon,” Parker said after weighing in at 267 pounds (121 kilograms). “To Martin Bakole, thank you for taking this fight on short notice. I’m looking forward to being in a ring with him tomorrow and going to work.”
How refreshing/bizarre (delete as you deem fit!)...
The traditional staredown turned playful when Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, filled the void before poking Parker’s midsection.
Warren said that Dubois will incur “a massive loss” because of sunk costs in training camp. The Briton had been set for “an unbelievable purse.”
Bakole chronicled his journey Friday on Instagram, taking a flight from Kinshasa to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the way to the Saudi capital.
“One more flight,” he wrote before the next leg to Riyadh.
“I can’t wait,” he said in a video post before the first flight. “I think I will shock the world. A boxer is like a soldier, anytime they ask you to go to war, always be ready.”
Even though there’s no shot at a world title Saturday, the Parker-Bakole winner would be in line to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the Ukrainian’s WBO belt. The WBO announced the winner would become the mandatory challenger.
Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) is a former WBO champion. The New Zealander won the belt in December 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz and lost it to Anthony Joshua 15 months later.
Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) weighed over 280 pounds (127 kgs) in his most recent fight when he stopped Jared Anderson in the fifth round last August in Los Angeles.
