Martin Bakole was unable to attend the ceremonial weigh for his late-notice fight with Joseph Parker as he is still flying to Saudi Arabia.

Parker tipped the scales at a career-heaviest 267lbs (19st), 12 lbs heavier than his previous high against Joe Joyce in 2022.

However, Bakole is yet to hit the scales as his 3,800 mile flight from Congo is yet to touch down in Saudi Arabia.

Bakole flew from Congo to Ethiopia, then on to Dubai, before finally landing in Saudi Arabia, where he’ll contest the biggest fight of his life this Saturday.

The African assassin will first fly from Congo to Ethiopia, then to Dubai, before finally landing in Saudi Arabia, where he’ll square off against Parker in the co-main event of a stacked card headlined by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch.

With Bakole absent, Parker faced off with his promoter Frank Warren after weighing in alone.

Bakole is expected to touch down at 2am local time tonight and will then take to the scales behind closed doors.

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