Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdraws from boxing bout with Joshua Parker in Saudi Arabia on account of sickness.
World heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from Saturday’s title defence towards Joseph Parker after falling unwell.
The 27-year-old, who holds the Worldwide Boxing Federation (IBF) title, underwent a medical examination in Saudi Arabia and missed a information convention on Thursday night, prompting the choice in a single day to tug out. Particulars of his well being standing haven’t been launched.
“If he’s unwell, I hope he will get properly quickly, and I’m wanting ahead to Saturday and a terrific present,” mentioned Parker, who will now face last-minute substitute Congolese fighter Martin Bakole.
British-born Dubois took the interim belt in June by beating Filip Hrgovic and was upgraded to champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title on account of his rematch clause with Tyson Fury.
Dubois then defended his title in September with a knockout win over fellow Briton Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London.
Former world champion Parker, 33, claimed the World Boxing Group (WBO) heavyweight title in 2016 by defeating Mexican Andy Ruiz. He misplaced the title to Joshua in 2018.
Bakole was “on his method” to Saudi Arabia from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the heavyweight’s promoter Ben Shalom instructed Sky Sports activities in England.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed at Thursday’s information convention within the Saudi capital, Riyadh, that the no-show by Dubois was due to a medical examination.
“Sadly at this second in time, Daniel is being evaluated by a health care provider, and when we’ve extra information, we’ll share it with you and replace you,” Warren mentioned on the information convention.
The primary title defence by Dubois – a brutal fifth-round knockout of Joshua – was staged in entrance of a document 96,000 followers within the English capital.
Saturday’s major attraction is the rematch between light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev grew to become the undisputed champion after a contentious factors resolution over Bivol in October.
