- Daniel Dubois withdraws from IBF title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness.
- Parker to face Martin Bakole as a last-minute replacement in Saudi Arabia.
- Beterbiev vs. Bivol undisputed title fight remains the main event.
Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his world-title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday after falling ill just two days before the fight.
The British fighter, 27, was undergoing medical evaluation in Saudi Arabia and missed Thursday’s pre-fight press conference before being officially pulled from the bout later in the evening. The exact nature of his illness has not been disclosed.
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In Dubois’ absence, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, 33, will now face Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, who has been brought in as a last-minute replacement.
“If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon, and I’m looking forward to Saturday and having a great show,” Parker said before being informed of the change in opponent.
Dubois, who boasts a professional record of 22 wins and two losses, initially claimed the IBF ‘interim’ title by defeating Filip Hrgovic before being elevated to full world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. He successfully defended his title for the first time by stopping Anthony Joshua in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium in September.
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Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion from 2015 to 2017, has an impressive record of 35 wins and three defeats. His new opponent, Bakole, is a highly regarded 33-year-old based in Scotland, with a record of 21 wins, one loss, and 16 knockouts.
The bout will serve as the co-main event for the undisputed light-heavyweight showdown between reigning champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Also featured on the card, British contender Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title.
