In a curious sight, Bakole was spotted wearing Dubois' black Fly-branded gloves with "DDD" written across them in his fight with Joseph Parker for the WBO interim heavyweight title at the Anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Joseph Parker defied his doubters with a demolition of Martin Bakole on Saturday, after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness. Dubois was due to defend the IBF heavyweight title against Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but the Briton fell ill on Thursday. As such, organisers were left scrambling for a replacement on two days’ notice.

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.