Daniel Dubois pulls out of Joseph Parker combat as new opponent discovered for enormous occasion

Daniel Dubois has been forced to pull out of his huge world title defence against Joseph Parker after falling ill 48 hours before the first bell in Saudi Arabia

Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness, just 48 hours before the fight was due to commence.

Dubois was set to defend his heavyweight title for against former champion Parker in Saudi Arabia tomorrow night. However, after falling ill yesterday and being assessed by a doctor, he was forced to pull out of the match, sparking a frantic search for a replacement opponent for Parker.

British fighters Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye were among the top contenders, both currently training in Dubai. However, it was Scotland-based Congolese Martin Bakole who received the late call-up and will now face Parker with just two days’ notice.

Bakole had been preparing for a bout against Efe Ajagba in May to determine the next challenger for Dubois’ title. Despite showing no signs of illness during his media duties this week, including appearances at Tuesday’s Grand Arrival and Wednesday night’s public workout, Dubois was noticeably absent from last night’s press conference, reports the Mirror.

Parker, however, insisted he still plans to participate in the card headlined by Artur Beterbiev’s defence of his undisputed light-heavyweight world title against Dmitry Bivol.

“I hope he gets better soon,” said the Kiwi. “I’m looking forward to Saturday and putting on a show. I’m ready to go, I put in all the hard work with my team.”

Dubois was promoted to world champion last summer when Oleksandr Usyk gave up his IBF belt. The London-based boxer then went on to defeat Anthony Joshua in under five rounds in September, successfully defending his title.

The 27 year old had already been eyeing a rematch with Usyk for the undisputed clash when he agreed to fight Parker.

Two years ago, Dubois was defeated by Usyk, but not before he had knocked down the Ukrainian, although the hit was deemed a low blow.