SCOTTISH boxing trainer Billy Nelson has urged Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to give his man Martin Bakole a call as he seeks a heavyweight replacement to stand-in for Joseph Parker and take on Derek Chisora in this month’s hotly-anticipated o2 show.

While Josh Taylor’s Ali Trophy final against Regis Prograis will top the bill at the London venue on October 26, Chisora’s heavyweight clash against the New Zealander Parker was a hot ticket for English fight fans to the extent that the volatile heavyweight stormed out of a pre-fight press conference in protest about being relegated down the bill.

That fight, though, is now OFF – with Parker unable to take part due to illness. And having sold tickets for a night of boxing which also sees Ricky Burns take on Lee Selby, Nelson feels that the Airdrie-based Bakole, who has just one defeat in his 14 fights to date – against England’s Michael Hunter - could be the man to step into the breach. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bakole has sparred frequently with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Chisora himself and would relish the chance to get out there under the lights.

“One [phone call] and its done,” wrote Nelson on Twitter. “He has my number.”

“Del knows Martin’s worth, they’ve sparred together and let me tell you Del don’t want to face Martin with 10oz on. One guy will get ko’d, not Martin.”

“Due to illness, Joseph Parker is out of the Derek Chisora fight on October 26,” wrote Hearn. “We are working on a suitable replacement and will make a further announcement this week.”