Who wins and why? A lot of people hype Bakole up on here, he's good - he's formidable, but not proven enough. Parker is quite damn proven. For me? Its a tough one to call. I actually thought Anderson was going to decision Bakole but he got absolutely battered. I also thought Wilder was going to stop Parker but he forgot how to throw a punch. Bakole to me is kind of like a tree, he's massive, he's strong, he has very heavy hands and a good punch selection, you don't want to get near him or be on the inside otherwise he will eat you up like he did against Anderson. To me he is a bit of a mix between Joyce and Zhang. My prediction is - I back Parker points in a close fight, but I do think Bakole will knock Parker down once at least. I think Parker is the better boxer and is super experienced with big hitters in Ruiz, AJ, Whyte, Joyce, Wilder, Zhang, and I can see that making the difference here. Also, Parker probably has the advantage in terms of preparation for the fight but I don't see that actually making much of a difference. Although, I could see a Bakole stoppage. Yes - Parker is tough, experienced with big hitters and has very good heart but his chin isn't amazing and can get hit.
I could see a Bakole stoppage, Parker is tough, experienced with big hitters and has very good heart but his chin isn't amazing and can get hit.
I will be super impressed if he finds it easy in a way and wins like 10-2 rounds. I think it will be a very tough fight.
Since this is last moment I have my doubts Bakole will come into great shape. And Parker will by far be Bakole’s best ever opponent. Maybe Hunter did come close and Bakole lost to him. I think Parker by referee stoppage or the towel gets thrown in.
I just see Bakole as being a Foreman type where he can blast out anyone who stands in front of him with either fist, but struggles with a skilled operator like Parker.
I think this won't be dissimilar to how the JP/DDD would have played out imo. Bakole will try and smother him and batter Parker out of there in the first 3-4 rounds I reckon, which is what Parker and Andy Lee have been training for anyway. Parker will probably sit in the pocket, maximize the in and out smash and grab gameplan he worked against Wilder and Zhang. He will need to sit on his shots to gain Bakole's respect. Smart money is on a patient gameplan and bring Bakole into the deep waters. The longer the fight goes, the more it becomes Parkers fight. I think Bakole is more open to counters than DDD. Parker for the Win but I give Bakole a solid shot at this
It depends on what kind of shape Bakole is in. After all, Parkers just went through a full training camp in preparation for a championship fight meanwhile Bakole has yet to even start his....