Boxing fans were eagerly anticipating a high-stakes showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, but unexpected news has thrown a wrench into those plans.
The IBF heavyweight champion has withdrawn from the fight due to illness, leaving Parker without his original opponent just days before the event.
Last-Minute Health Setback
Dubois had arrived in Riyadh and even declared himself “absolutely” ready for the challenge.
However, his plans took a sudden turn when he reported feeling unwell on Thursday.
A medical examination confirmed that he was in no condition to compete, forcing him to step away from the much-anticipated bout.
The announcement came as a shock, especially given the high stakes of the fight—a chance to eventually compete for the undisputed heavyweight title against Oleksandr Usyk.
Scramble for a Replacement
With Dubois officially out, promoter Frank Warren moved quickly to secure a last-minute opponent for Parker.
After a swift search, it was confirmed that Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole would step in to take the fight on just 48 hours’ notice.
Though it won’t be a title fight, the clash still holds major implications for both fighters.
Other Contenders Considered
Before settling on Bakole, other potential replacements were considered, including Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye, and Mourad Aliev.
However, Bakole emerged as the best option to ensure Parker still had a fight on the stacked Saudi Arabia card.
A Major Event With More Shakeups
The Dubois vs. Parker fight was originally set to be the co-main event alongside the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
The night was shaping up to be a massive spectacle for boxing fans, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names.
This wasn’t the only disruption to the card. Earlier in the week, another major fight was scrapped when Shakur Stevenson’s world title bout against Floyd Schofield fell apart.
In a bizarre twist, Schofield arrived in Saudi Arabia, attended media duties on Monday, and then mysteriously vanished on Tuesday, skipping the grand arrivals altogether.
As a result, British fighter Josh Padley, a part-time electrician from Doncaster, has stepped in to face Stevenson at the last minute.
What’s Next for Dubois?
Dubois’ withdrawal is undoubtedly a disappointment, but the big question now is what comes next for the IBF champion.
Will he reschedule a fight with Parker, or will he be forced to defend his belt against a new challenger?
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Dubois’ next move once he recovers from this unexpected setback.