Teddy Atlas makes ‘dangerous’ prediction for Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole

Joseph Parker has the advantage of a full camp behind him when he faces Martin Bakole this weekend, but Teddy Atlas believes that the late replacement is a ‘dangerous’ assignment. 

The fight world was left shocked earlier this week when it was announced that Daniel Dubois was being pulled from his world title defence against Parker after becoming ill. 

Dubois had looked in great shape all week and was to enter the contest a significant favourite, but he was forced to withdraw 48 hours before the scheduled bout. 

Several names were linked to replace Dubois with Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye considered front-runners for the task. 

Ultimately, it would be Bakole who got the and the Congolese fighter instantly accepted the offer and will now face Parker. 

The heavyweight encounter still has plenty of intrigue with both men very much positioned near the top of the division and the victor will be right in the frame to challenge when Dubois makes a full recovery. 

Atlas, an ardent follower of the heavyweight scene, believes Parker may not be prepared for someone with Bakole’s style and he’s had his say on how the contest may play out. 

“It could be [harder]. Dubois is tremendous, he’s found himself, he’s a dangerous guy because he has the confidence of a champion,” said Atlas when speaking to Boxing King Media. 

“When I say he could be [harder], Parker has been in camp for say two months preparing for one specific style and now on 48 hours' notice he has to prepare for a very different style, that might make it more dangerous. 

“This guy can do what Dubois did. He can punch like hell.”