Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker battle in main doubt after champ falls sick
Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker is in doubt after the IBF champion fell ill just days away from the big even and is being evaluated by doctors
Daniel Dubois is under the weather and might have to withdraw from his heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker. Dubois is set to defend his title after flooring Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September.
He claimed the belt when Oleksandr Usyk vacated it last summer to chase a rematch with Tyson Fury, rather than a second bout with Dubois, who he defeated in 2023.
Despite fulfilling his media duties this week, including appearances at the grand arrivals on Tuesday and the public workout last night, Dubois showed no signs of sickness. He declared: “I’m flying. I feel really confident, ready to go. The talking is done, it’s time to go to work. I’m expecting just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go through him and put him to sleep. Just go for the next one. I’m hungry.”
However, The Ring, owned by boxing bigwig Turki Alalsheikh, reports that they’re on the lookout for a new challenger for Parker should Dubois be sidelined, reports the Mirror.
The publication stated: “The Ring has learned that IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois is sick and is currently being evaluated by a doctor.
“A replacement is being pursued in the event that Dubois is unable to move forward with his defense against Joseph Parker on Saturday night.”
If Dubois can’t make it, Parker will face a fight without a world title at stake, as he aims to become a two-time champ. He previously secured the WBO belt nearly-ten-years ago before surrendering it to Joshua in Cardiff.
“I actually feel fantastic,” he declared this week. “I’ve done all the work and I’m well prepared, and I just want to go in there and put on a great display. I’m very happy, I’m excited, but I’m saving it all for fight night.
“I have to apply what I’ve been learning in camp, training, and in the ring. It’s pretty simple. Go out there; believe in yourself. I have confidence and I’m going to prove to everyone that you can always come back from a loss.
“I have to be me. I have to focus on myself. Go out there and execute the game plan Andy Lee has put in place, and become champion of the world.”
Parker is on a roll with five consecutive wins under his belt, including notable victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, positioning him as a serious contender for Dubois’ title.
