Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight showdown against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on Saturday is off after the British champion was taken ill, with Congolese fighter Martin Bakole drafted in as a late replacement.
Speaking at the earlier press conference, former world champion Parker, 33, insisted he was ready to take on whoever steps into the ring on Saturday night as part of the undercard to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed light-heavyweight rematch.
“If you’re ever going to have a chance at beating Martin Bakole it’s on two days’ notice, but I still think he’s the favourite in the fight.
Dubois was set to put his title on the line for the first time since knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September against New Zealander Parker in Riyadh.
Dubois not being fit to fight on Saturday is a significant setback for the Briton and his ambitions of an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
