A compelling night of boxing is set to unfold at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh this Saturday, February 22, as Joseph Parker faces Martin Bakole in a late-rearranged heavyweight showdown. Check out our expert preview and tips, which include a selection of the best betting offers available to maximise the return of this fight.
Boxing betting tips: Joseph Parker v Martin Bakole Predictions
Will Joseph Parker’s Momentum Prove Too Much for Martin Bakole?
- Joseph Parker is on a five-fight winning streak, including victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
- Martin Bakole has only gone the distance five times in 21 fights, highlighting his vulnerability over the full 12 rounds.
- Parker has recorded two knockout wins in his last two fights as a betting favourite, suggesting he thrives in this position.
Our Best Bet
Joseph Parker To Win By KO/TKO/DQ & 2 Or More Knockdowns In The Fight | |
5/2 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Joseph Parker’s experience and recent form give him the edge over late-replacement Martin Bakole. The New Zealander’s superior conditioning should allow him to take over in the later rounds, forcing knockdowns before securing a stoppage win. Given Bakole’s lack of a full camp, Parker by KO/TKO/DQ is strong value. |
Originally, Parker was scheduled to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, but with Dubois pulling out due to illness, Bakole has stepped in on short notice to take on the resurgent New Zealander.
The bout will serve as a co-main event on a card headlined by Artur Beterbiev’s clash with Dmitry Bivol. Parker, fresh from his recent victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, will be looking to extend his winning streak and cement himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division. On the other hand, Bakole sees this as an opportunity to announce himself on the world stage, having long sought a fight against one of boxing’s elite.
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Both fighters come into this contest under unique circumstances. Parker has had a full training camp in preparation for Dubois, while Bakole will have to adjust quickly after receiving the call at the last minute. Given these factors, the dynamic of the fight could be fascinating, particularly in the early rounds when Bakole’s power and aggression could present problems. However, Parker’s experience and technical ability might ultimately dictate proceedings, especially if the fight extends into the later rounds.
With such an intriguing matchup at hand, fight fans can expect an intense battle between two heavyweights determined to seize the moment. The stakes are high, and the implications for the winner could be significant in an already crowded title picture.
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Best Bet for Today’s Action: Joseph Parker to Win by KO/TKO/DQ & 2 or More Knockdowns in the Fight
Backing Parker to win by stoppage with at least two knockdowns in the fight presents solid value given the stylistic clash and circumstances surrounding this bout.
Parker’s recent form has been nothing short of impressive. After suffering a brutal stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, he has rebuilt his career in spectacular fashion. His dominant decision victories over Wilder and Zhang have reaffirmed his durability and tactical intelligence, while his earlier knockout wins over Faiga Opelu and Simon Kean highlight his ability to finish fights when the opportunity presents itself.
Bakole, while undoubtedly a dangerous puncher, finds himself in a challenging position here. Accepting a fight of this magnitude on just a couple of days’ notice puts him at a significant disadvantage, especially against an opponent as well-prepared as Parker. While the Congolese fighter has showcased knockout power in the past, his defensive frailties have been exposed before—most notably in his sole professional loss to Michael Hunter.
One key factor to consider is Bakole’s likely approach. Given his lack of a full training camp, he may opt for an aggressive, high-tempo strategy in the opening rounds, attempting to overwhelm Parker before fatigue sets in. If that approach fails, Parker’s superior conditioning and experience over 12 rounds should come into play. As Bakole tires, Parker will likely begin to impose himself, creating opportunities to break down his opponent and secure a stoppage.
Given Parker’s recent resurgence and Bakole’s late-notice entry into the contest, it would not be surprising to see Parker force multiple knockdowns before ultimately securing a knockout or stoppage victory.
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