Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his IBF world heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker, scheduled for this Saturday, due to illness. The British boxer was evaluated by a doctor on Thursday but has been deemed unfit to compete. As a result, heavyweight contender Martin Bakole has stepped in as a late replacement to face Parker.
The highly anticipated fight will take place in Riyadh, serving as part of the undercard for Artur Beterbiev’s rematch against Dmitry Bivol for the unified light-heavyweight world title. While Dubois was originally set to defend his title for the second time, the illness has put his championship reign on hold. The IBF belt will not be on the line in the new matchup between Parker and Bakole.
Dubois, 27, holds a professional record of 22 wins and two defeats. He captured the IBF interim title by defeating Filip Hrgovic and was later elevated to full world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. His most recent fight saw him stop Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium, a victory that cemented his status as one of the top heavyweights in the division.
For Parker, this fight represents another opportunity to make a statement. The 33-year-old from New Zealand boasts a record of 35 wins and three losses. A former WBO heavyweight champion, he held the title from 2016 to 2018 and has been working his way back toward another world championship opportunity. Despite the late change in opponent, Parker remains focused on the task ahead.
“It’s all part of boxing and part of the journey,” Parker said. “But one opportunity goes away, and another one comes. I’m fighting Martin Bakole, who’s been waiting for a big fight, so let’s get it on. Hopefully, we can revisit this fight with Dubois down the line I want to be champion of the world.”
Bakole, 31, is a formidable challenge at short notice. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo but now training in Scotland, he has compiled a professional record of 21 wins and one defeat. He is widely regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in the heavyweight division. His most significant victory came last year when he knocked out the highly touted American prospect Jared Anderson in the fifth round. The performance solidified Bakole as a serious contender, and now, with an unexpected opportunity against Parker, he has a chance to further elevate his status.
Parker acknowledged the difficulty of facing an opponent like Bakole but welcomed the challenge. “Bakole is the most avoided heavyweight, but I love to challenge myself,” he said. “I’ll have my chance again [for the IBF title] at some point, but for now, my focus is on Martin Bakole.”
The card in Saudi Arabia also features another intriguing title fight. Britain’s undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic for the WBC middleweight championship. Sheeraz, a rising star in British boxing, has been building momentum in recent years, and this fight presents a golden opportunity to claim a world title.
Despite the disappointment of Dubois pulling out, the revised lineup still promises plenty of action for fight fans. The Parker-Bakole showdown offers an exciting clash of styles, with Parker’s experience and resilience going up against Bakole’s power and aggression. Meanwhile, the light-heavyweight main event between Beterbiev and Bivol remains one of the most anticipated rematches in the sport.
