Martin Bakole shocked at the unofficial weigh-in for Saturday’s co-main event in Riyadh, hitting the scale at a colossal 315 pounds (albeit in street clothes). That’s roughly 30 pounds heavier than the 284.5 he registered for his August fight against Jared Anderson. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker came in at 267 pounds, also a career-high for the former WBO champion. The sheer weight difference adds intrigue to a short-notice showdown that some fans suspect could either end early or drift into a war of endurance.
Questions loom about how Bakole’s extra heft will affect his stamina if he can’t hurt Parker in the early going. Some insiders claim he’s relying on an explosive start, knowing that carrying over 300 pounds might become a hindrance in later rounds. Parker, traditionally known for his mobility, has a 22-pound jump from what he weighed against Zhilei Zhang, raising concerns about how effectively he can stay on his toes this time.
Still, Parker has notable victories over established contenders and recently outmaneuvered a hefty Zhang at 291 pounds. If he can maintain a safe distance while peppering Bakole with counters, the momentum could turn in Parker’s favor as the fight wears on. Conversely, if Bakole comes out firing with an all-or-nothing approach, he may catch Parker off-guard - especially given the Kiwi’s own weight increase.
Reports indicate that Bakole could earn a $600,000 purse for stepping in as a late replacement for Daniel Dubois, though rumors suggest the figure might be higher. Regardless of the exact amount, this is a pivotal moment for Bakole to prove that his scale-tipping weight gain won’t limit him against one of the division’s more seasoned technicians.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing