Bakole missed the weigh-in on Friday night but arrived in Riyadh just in time to step into the ring on Saturday. The rushed nature of the fight was highlighted when it became apparent that Bakole had not even brought his own pair of gloves.

He was spotted wearing gloves with 'DDD' written across them, indicating they were meant for Dubois. It can only be assumed that there was not enough time to prepare his own set of gloves given the short notice at which he stepped in.

Bakole did not look in fighting shape as he entered the ring and was quickly put away by Parker, who ended the bout with a powerful right hand in only the second round.

Parker was quick to give credit to his opponent for accepting the challenge at such late notice before calling out Oleksandr Usyk in his post-fight interview.

"Martin Bakole, thank you for accepting the challenge of flying all the way here on short notice and giving me a good fight," said the New Zealander.

"I stayed calm, structured, composed and got the victory. I'm fit, strong, healthy and sharp. Andy Lee broke it down for me, I had to be patient.

"How can I fight for the world title next? If Usyk wants a dance partner... I want to fight for a world title, I want to be champion of the world again. I will fight anyone and everyone. Four fights, four wins in Saudi Arabia."

Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson was impressed with Parker's clinical display against Bakole and suggested that a rematch with Anthony Joshua would make a good spectacle.

He said: "Every heavyweight will be thinking: 'Thank you, you've done us a favour'. Joseph Parker did what he was supposed to do and that was the only legitimate opponent they could get in.

"Don't be surprised if that happens again, Anthony Joshua against Joseph Parker."