Daniel Dubois was forced to pull out of his IBF Heavyweight World Title defence against Joseph Parker just days out due to illness.
The big-punching Brit was set to defend his belt for a second time, building on a great run of form after demolishing Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium last year.
News broke just before the press conference that Dubois was being evaluated by a doctor after feeling unwell and, not long after, it was confirmed Parker will instead face late replacement Martin Bakole.
Speaking to Box Nation the morning after, promoter Frank Warren detailed the timeline of events and said that his charge is now set to travel back to the UK.
“Daniel hadn’t been feeling well. Felt he had a bit of a head cold in the last couple of days and was just feeling crap yesterday. Cut a long story short, he seen a local Saudi doctor, he was given some medication, obviously had to check that medication out with VADA to make sure none of the ingredients were on the banned list, and then the British Boxing Board of Control wanted to see him. They examined him and declared him unfit to fight.
“Apparently it’s a bit worse today. He’s trying to get out of here, trying to get home. The medication he was given contained some very strong antihistamine on top of the other stuff. That apparently, one of the side effects, is drowsiness. It is what it is.”
Warren then highlighted the frustrations of fighters who put in a 12-week camp for something to go so wrong last minute.
“If they don’t fight they don’t get paid, and he was getting an unbelievable purse. So very disappointing. And disappointing for Joe Parker who’s trained very hard as well.”
The Hall of Fame promoter also confirmed that Dubois’ feeling was to fight on before it was taken out of his hands.
“He wanted to fight. Very p***ed off about it. It’s unfortunate for everyone but the boxer’s health is paramount. As I always say, if you’re not 100%, don’t fight.”
When Dubois will appear in the ring again, and more importantly against who, is yet to be discussed. Meanwhile, Parker faces a stern test in Bakole, who will arrive in Riyadh confident despite lacking the benefits of a focused training camp.
