Daniel Dubois out of world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness

Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight showdown against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on Saturday is off after the British champion was taken ill, with Congolese fighter Martin Bakole drafted in as a late replacement.

Dubois was set to put his title on the line for the first time since knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September against New Zealander Parker in Riyadh.

However, the 27-year-old Londoner was not able to attend the scheduled pre-fight press conference on Thursday, with promoter Frank Warren confirming Dubois’ health was being assessed.

Following the press conference, Bakole’s promoters BOXXER announced the 31-year-old was travelling to Saudi Arabia after accepting a late call for what is expected to be a non-title contest.

“The fight’s done. He was in the Congo, he’s on his way,” BOXXER chief executive Ben Shalom told Sky Sports.

“If you’re ever going to have a chance at beating Martin Bakole it’s on two days’ notice, but I still think he’s the favourite in the fight.

“I think a 50 per cent Martin Bakole beats both heavyweights. Fair play to Joseph Parker as well for taking Martin Bakole.

“Everyone knew we were going to put our name in the hat, we were pushing for it.

“We don’t talk (rubbish) when we say we will fight anyone, we will fight anyone. To do it on two days’ notice is crazy.”

Speaking at the earlier press conference, former world champion Parker, 33, insisted he was ready to take on whoever steps into the ring on Saturday night as part of the undercard to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed light-heavyweight rematch.

“If he (Dubois) is ill, I hope he gets better soon,” said Parker, who is on a run of five successive victories.

“I am looking forward to Saturday and putting on a great show. I am ready to go. I have put in all the hard work with my team (training) in Ireland, I am here now in Riyadh, so come on Saturday.”

Parker’s manager Spencer Brown maintained the fight would go ahead, regardless of opponent.

“Whatever it is going to be, Joe is there and there will be a fight Saturday,” Brown said. “He doesn’t care, he is one of those fighters, he will fight anybody.”

Dubois – reported to be suffering from a fever and flu-like virus – not being fit to fight on Saturday is a significant setback for the Briton and his ambitions of an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.

Having been handed a second professional defeat by Usyk during the summer of 2023, Dubois has since stopped Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and Joshua in his last three fights.

Bakole has 21 wins from his 22 professional fights, and claimed the WBO international and WBC-NABF heavyweight title in August last year after knocking out Jared Anderson in the fifth round.

After finding out his new opponent, Parker will not be taking Bakole’s challenge lightly.

“He is a beast,” Parker said to Boxing News. “I am looking forward to challenging myself against Martin Bakole. He has been avoided, so let’s get it on.

“(It will be) very difficult, he is going to be flying in, so we will see how he is. I know he has been training hard.”

Parker added: “Things happen in life, not just boxing, in life. You’ve got to adapt, adjust, and go forward, no matter what.”