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Daniel Dubois/Joseph Parker/Martin Bakole - The behind-the-scenes story of one of heavyweight boxing's most dramatic days
It was Barry Jones who broke the news to me that there were concerns about Daniel Dubois’ wellbeing heading into his heavyweight title defence against Joseph Parker.
The likeable Welshman, now one of boxing’s most respected voices, has been in a jovial mood all fight week, but there was a hint of disappointment etched on his face as went through the shocking development.
Jones was in the process of delivering his verdict on the huge show by making a host of predictions of for DAZN News, but he was unable to deliver his verdict on Dubois vs Parker as he spoke honestly at the final press conference.
“I won’t be making anything for the Dubois fight. Have you not heard the news?” he asked before showing his phone screen, with a social media post from The Ring suggesting the IBF champion could be out.
Immediately after, Jones had continued with the rest of his thoughts on the huge card, including wins for Dmitry Bivol and Joshua Buatsi, staying on track.
But a glance around told me it was clear the news had passed around the entire press conference, originally filled with excitement for one of boxing’s biggest ever shows.
Mark Lyson, a judge and referee for many high-profile bouts, was soaking in the atmosphere before he began his official capacities on fight night. He was another face left stunned by the potential collapse of what was certain to be a heavyweight blockbuster.
Rumors flew around the place quicker than Vergil Ortiz’s hands and at one point people appeared convinced that either Zhilei Zhang or Agit Kabeyel , already scheduled to face each other, would be elevated to be Parker’s new opponent.
A further tweet from The Ring then stated that either Lawrence Okolie or David Adeleye were under serious consideration to step in at late notice.
Joe Gallagher and Natasha Jonas, the former's trainer and gym mate respectively, were both in attendance, but neither were able to give a definitive answer on whether Okolie would get his chance.
But then, moments later, another tweet from The Ring - on a busy night for their social media team - broke the news that nobody had expected or even speculated.
Martin Bakole was on his way to Saudi Arabia to face Parker and it was the latter who insisted on Bakole being given the opportunity.
Just 24 hours earlier, both Parker and Dubois had looked in immaculate condition as they went through their routines with their respective teams.
Both spoke with an unshakeable confidence on how their fight would play out, clearly filled with self-belief. One day later, the whole landscape had changed.
Bakole was on his way and the whole discussion shifted to what condition he would be in, had he been training, where was he flying from, and what chance he had.
Sympathy was widespread for Dubois who had been robbed of an enormous moment to further enhance a rapidly growing reputation, but who had to put his own health first.
Amongst the chaos of a cancelled fight with organisers, promoters, and fighters all doing their utmost to remain calm and focused, a potential disaster had loomed in the background.
Dubois vs Parker was being contested for one of boxing's biggest prizes on the grandest stage and the unfortunate postponement briefly soured what had been a fascinating build-up.
In years gone by, the show would have likely resumed in with the eventful bill taking a big knock due to the absence of one of its main stars.
But this is boxing in the year 2025 and with ‘The Last Crescendo’ being billed as one of the greatest cards in boxing history, those involved in plotting the bill would not go down without an argument.
On two days' notice, Bakole joins Vitali Klitschko, who faced Lennox Lewis at late notice in 2003 after Kirk Johnson sustained an injury, as one of boxing’s best last-minute replacements.
The Congolese monster had been linked to fight with Efe Ajagba later this year and that was a bout that was set to open big doors for him.
That passageway has now been made clear, but can he make this strange fight week that bit crazier and claim victory despite all the odds being against him?
We are about to find out.
Watch the full Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV
Watch the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Beterbiev vs Bivol 2, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
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