KIWI KO

JOSEPH PARKER rewarded Martin Bakole for his super-sub antics with a two-round pasting for racing across Africa to save his show.

The 33-year-old Scotland-based heavyweight was digging ditches for a Kinshasa shopping centre to be named in his honour in the Congo on Wednesday.

But when Daniel Dubois was pulled out of his IBF heavyweight world title defence by the British Boxing Board of Control, after being struck down with a virus, Bakole got the unlikely call to face the dateless Kiwi.

Bakole’s chief support slot was so hastily arranged that he had to wear Dubois’ personalised gloves, complete with ‘DDD’ logo etched in white across the black knuckles.

But they were only on for the warm-up, ring walk and six minutes of action, before the 22st funster was flattened.

Up against a former WBO world champion, an 18-hour trip, via Dubai on Ethiopia Airlines, jet lag and a serious lack of sleep, Bakole couldn’t afford to waste energy.

So he dropped his lead left hand low and tried to lure Parker in close where he could be clipped.

The Kiwi was too wise and kept jabbing at the giant target from a safe distance but he was grazed right on the bell, when backed onto the ropes.

The second round started like a slugfest, Parker seemed crazy for engaging with the unfit behemoth in the few early rounds he could pose a threat.

And he looked like he was on a hiding to nothing when he landed a big right hand on Bakole’s beard and he theatrically shook it off.

The crowd cheered the iron chin and amateur dramatics but the fanfare didn’t last long.

Parker looped in a right hand that even a fit and fair-warned fighter would have struggled to deal with.

But being propped up on hope and airplane food alone, meant Bakole fell down onto his giant tartan backside.

He clambered inelegantly to his feet but he was gone and referee Steve Gray did the right thing in waving the action off with Bakole in a very dangerous spot.

Speaking to DAZN, Parker said: “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.

“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.” -Sun