Martin Bakole to put Scottish trainer's prophecy to the test as Joseph Parker mega Saudi fight closes in

Buzzing Glasgow trainer Billy Nelson believes Martin Bakole's mission for greatness is nearing its end as he prepares to face Joseph Parker.

The Congolese-born fighter, who lived and trained in Airdrie, has covered over 3,800 miles on just two days to replace Daniel Dubois. The 31-year-old flew from Congo to Ethiopia, then on to Dubai, before finally landing in Saudi Arabia, where he’ll fight the biggest match of his career at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday night.

The 6’6”, 310-pounder will fight Parker for the WBO ‘Interim’ world title on a mouth-watering card billed as ‘The Last Crescendo’. Bakole accepted a deal on Thursday from Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh to step in for ill stricken Dubois, having come off the back of a stunning upset victory over Jared Anderson last summer. And his coach Billy Nelson believes the title shot is no more than he deserves. Speaking to iFLTV's Andrew McCart, he said: "We'd fight Park in two-days' notice no problem. Martin will always be ready for Joseph Parker."

He added: "It's absolutely mad. It's more black and white than it's ever been. Turki Alalshikh wants the best fight for Saturday night and the best fight undoubtedly would be Martin versus Joe would it not? I said our backs are packed and we're ready to go."

Asked about the challenge of facing Parker he added: "Of course it is dangerous but I believe in Martin's ability. He's a special fighter and the cream will come to the top. Listen nobody in seven years have given us anything - anything at all. So if an opportunity like this comes up we have to grasp it. I'd be super confident that Martin would beat him. He'd stop him. He'd stop Joe. You want a world class opponent and the only world class opponent out there