Martin Bakole Set for May Return After Short-Notice Defeat to Parker

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - After stepping in at the last minute to face Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Martin Bakole is already set for a quick turnaround, with his return reportedly scheduled for May. This news comes directly from Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing powerbroker, who confirmed the plan immediately after Bakole’s knockout loss to Parker. The big question now: Is this the right move for Bakole?

Martin Bakole was not originally scheduled to fight in Riyadh on last Saturday, but when the event needed a co-main event, he answered the call—despite arriving late, being out of shape, and having virtually no time to prepare. At a staggering 310 pounds, Bakole was visibly far from peak condition, yet he still stepped into the ring against Parker, a former world champion on a career resurgence.

Parker wasted no time exposing Bakole’s lack of readiness. The New Zealander, looking sharp and focused, peppered Bakole with crisp combinations before landing a crushing right hand in the second round that sent Bakole tumbling. The referee and the corner waved it off as Bakole struggled to regain his footing, handing Parker a statement win.

While some questioned Bakole’s preparation, his trainer Billy Nelson later admitted that they took the fight knowing the risks, describing it as a “roll of the dice” that simply didn’t pay off. That said, Nelson’s decision to have the fight stopped quickly may have saved Bakole from unnecessary punishment—especially considering what’s now on the horizon.

Despite the defeat, Bakole appears to have secured a promise from Turki Alalshikh by stepping up on short notice. The Saudi boxing chief wasted no time in assuring Bakole that he would return in May, likely on another high-profile event.

The potential opponent? Efe Ajagba, the hard-hitting Nigerian known for his knockout power and aggressive style. While the matchup is not yet official, it would present a high-risk, high-reward scenario for Bakole—another dangerous opponent, but with an opportunity to erase the memory of his loss to Parker.

However, the quick turnaround raises concerns. A stoppage loss—especially one as definitive as Bakole’s—usually calls for time off. Fighters need time to recover not just physically, but mentally as well. Coming back just two and a half months after a knockout defeat is a gamble, especially against a puncher like Ajagba.

The debate around quick turnarounds after knockout losses has long been a topic of concern in boxing. Fighters who take heavy shots and get stopped often need a stand-down period to avoid cumulative damage. Bakole’s loss to Parker wasn’t just a routine defeat—it was a fight in which he looked unprepared, out of shape, and was knocked out badly.

While Bakole and his team will undoubtedly argue that he wasn’t at his best and can do better with a full training camp, there’s a real concern about whether jumping back into another fight so soon is the right move. What happens if he takes another knockout loss in May? Would that damage his career and long-term health even further?

Some might argue that with the kind of money involved in these Saudi-hosted events, it’s hard for a fighter to turn down an opportunity. But boxing has seen too many cases where repeated knockout losses lead to permanent damage. Bakole’s camp needs to seriously evaluate whether this is the best decision for his future.

If Bakole does fight in May, all eyes will be on his conditioning and preparation. There can be no excuses this time—no short notice, no arriving at the last minute, no stepping in unprepared. He’ll need to be in peak shape for an opponent like Ajagba (or whoever he faces).

On the other hand, if Bakole and his team reconsider and push for a return later in the year, it could be a smarter long-term move. Whether Turki Alalshikh insists on a May return or allows him more time to recover could also play a role in his decision.

Regardless, Bakole has one thing going his way—the goodwill of the Saudi boxing machine. He stepped up when they needed him, and that alone may secure him another major payday. Now, it’s up to him to prove that he’s more than just a last-minute replacement and still a top contender in the heavyweight division.