Daniel Dubois has pulled out of his blockbuster IBF heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker just days before their hotly-tipped showdown in Saudi Arabia due to illness, MySportDab Reports.
The 27-year-old had a medical assessment in Riyadh and was declared unfit, which obliged him to withdraw from the fight. Instead, Parker will fight Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole on short notice, and no world title is at stake.
The withdrawal of Dubois is a major blow, as he was seeking to defend the IBF title that was awarded to him when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt last summer.
The Briton had won the title after knocking out Anthony Joshua in September. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the news, saying: “Alas, Daniel is unwell, and we will update you when we can.”
Dubois’ health was in the news early Thursday morning when whispers of a head cold began to leak. But, as late as 5 PM UK time, there was little alarm among organizers that the fight would not proceed.
Warren has been observed taking an active role in the situation, with possible substitutes potentially including British warriors Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye and French fighter Mourad Aliev.
Bakole, for one, was the chosen alternative to Dubois. The 31-year-old, who lives in Scotland but was on vacation in his native Congo, gratefully accepted the chance and is now hurrying to Riyadh, traveling nearly 3,000 miles to get into the ring.
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom, who was instrumental in arranging Bakole’s involvement, cited the difficulties of the situation. “When the bad news came in about Dubois, we pushed pretty hard for Martin.” “I thought there’s no way Parker takes such a dangerous matchup on two days’ notice and so full credit to him and his team. Now it’s a matter of getting Martin to Riyadh on time.”
Former WBO champion Parker had said it was already a way common opponent to be ready for the fight. “If Dubois is sick, I wish him good health. I’ve done all the hard work, and I’m ready to put on a good show on Saturday.”
