Both heavyweight fights in Riyadh last night ended before the final bell. Agit Kabayel, after being knocked down by the towering Chinese fighter Zhilei Zhang in the fifth round, secured a knockout victory in the sixth. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker needed just two rounds to knock out the heavy-handed Congolese fighter Martin Bakole, extending his impressive winning streak.
Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel – WBC Interim Heavyweight Title
One might have expected a cautious start from Kabayel against a dangerous and explosive puncher like Zhang. Instead, the German fighter immediately engaged in close exchanges, putting his chin and ability to withstand punishment to the test right from the outset.
Zhang landed several heavy shots with both hands during the opening round, clearly winning it, but he failed to break the resilience of his tough opponent. From the second round onward, Kabayel began his relentless demolition job.
By closing the distance at the right moments, throwing a high volume of punches, and working tirelessly to the body, Kabayel gradually took control of the fight. Zhang, due to his age and physical build, was unable to trade blow for blow and had to rely on isolated counters, hoping to land a fight-changing shot.
In the fifth round, just when the fight seemed to be heading decisively in Kabayel’s favor, Zhang nearly pulled off a stunning comeback. A sudden left hand caught the German off guard, sending him to the canvas and shocking everyone in attendance.
However, Kabayel quickly got back to his feet, reassured his corner about his condition, and resumed his aggressive attack as if nothing had happened. Discouraged by his opponent’s swift recovery and exhausted from the constant body shots he had absorbed, Zhang collapsed in the following round, kneeling for the final count after taking yet another pair of punishing blows to the midsection.
Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole
Many fans celebrated when, following Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal, Martin Bakole stepped in as a last-minute replacement with just 48 hours’ notice. Such a high-quality substitute seemed like fantastic news.
However, those cheering overlooked some crucial factors: the Congolese fighter had not undergone a proper training camp, was well above his ideal fighting weight, and was likely feeling the effects of his long journey from Congo to Saudi Arabia just before fight night in Riyadh.
All these disadvantages were evident in the ring. Bakole has never been a particularly agile or fast heavyweight, but last night he moved with an almost exaggerated sluggishness, presenting Parker with an easy target to hit at will.
The New Zealander comfortably won the first round, relying almost exclusively on his left jab. Then, as Bakole became slightly more aggressive, Parker began unleashing powerful right hooks, looking to catch him on the counter. Eventually, one of his bombs landed, causing massive damage.
The effect of the punch, which grazed the side of the massive heavyweight’s head, was slightly delayed, making Bakole stumble awkwardly before collapsing to the canvas. His corner, likely aware of his lack of preparation, decided to spare him further punishment and signaled to the referee to stop the fight—even though the fighter had managed to get back on his feet.
Joseph Parker’s remarkable run continues. After victories over Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole, he has undoubtedly earned a well-deserved shot at a world title.