Daniel Dubois title defence against Joseph Parker in doubt as champion taken ill

Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight showdown against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on Saturday is in doubt, with the British champion having been taken ill.

Dubois is set to put his title on the line for the first time since knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September when he takes on New Zealander Parker in Riyadh.

However, the 27-year-old Londoner was not able to attend the scheduled pre-fight press conference on Thursday, with promoter Frank Warren confirming Dubois’ health was being assessed.

“Unfortunately at this moment in time Daniel is being evaluated by a doctor,” Warren told a press conference.

“When we have more news, we will share it with you and update you.”

It has been reported Congolese fighter Martin Bakole could be drafted in as a late replacement to face Parker.

Former world champion Parker, 33, insists he is 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 he (Dubois) is ill, I hope he gets better soon,” said Parker, who is on a run of five successive victories.

“I am looking forward to Saturday and putting on a great show. I am ready to go.

“I have put in all the hard work with my team (training) in Ireland, I am here now in Riyadh, so come on Saturday.”

Parker’s manager Spencer Brown maintains the fight will go on, regardless of opponent.

“There have been a lot of discussions. He is being assessed by a doctor, so we are just trying to find out whether it is good or bad news,” Brown said.

“Whatever it is going to be, Joe is there and there will be a fight Saturday.

“Whoever is there, Joe is ready to go and ready to win. He doesn’t care, he is one of those fighters, he will fight anybody.”

Should Dubois not be fit to fight on Saturday, it would be a significant setback for the Briton and his ambitions of an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.

Having been handed a second professional defeat by Usyk during the summer of 2023, Dubois has since stopped Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and Joshua in his last three fights.