Daniel Dubois was all set to defend his IBF World Heavyweight Title against Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend, though bad news from his camp is set to leave fans disappointed.
The young Brit was elevated to full champion last year after wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before making his first defence against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. That emphatic fifth round knockout cemented Dubois as one of the best heavyweights in the world, and he looked to continue that run against an equally in-form Parker.
The Ring Magazine, owned by Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh, has now reported that the champion has taken ill and is being assessed by a doctor. A replacement opponent ‘may be needed’ is the line, however fans won’t hold out much hope that the fight can go ahead as planned and should prepare for it to either be off entirely or for Parker to face a fellow contender.
‼️ 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. pic.twitter.com/7DbYg7gCEA
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 20, 2025
It is the second blow to what has been billed as ‘the fight card of the century’ following Floyd Schofield falling ill and being pulled from his WBC Lightweight World Title challenge against champion Shakur Stevenson. England’s Josh Padley has since flown in and will attempt a fairytale story as a huge underdog.
The card is still topped by what many deem is the best fight in boxing – a rematch between undisputed light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and the man he won the final belt from last year, Dmitry Bivol.
