World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his scheduled title defense against Joseph Parker on Saturday after falling ill.
The 27-year-old, who holds the IBF title, underwent a medical examination in Saudi Arabia and missed a scheduled press conference, leading to the decision to pull out. His health status remains undisclosed.
Joseph Parker, now set to face Congolese fighter Martin Bakole as a last-minute replacement, expressed his well wishes: “If he is ill, I hope he gets well soon and I’m looking forward to Saturday and a great show.”
Dubois, who claimed the interim belt in June by defeating Filip Hrgovic, was upgraded to champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title due to his rematch clause with Tyson Fury.
Dubois successfully defended his title in September with a knockout win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
Parker, a former world champion, claimed the WBO heavyweight title in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz but lost it to Joshua in 2018.
