There is a last minute scramble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as Daniel Dubois has been withdrawn from his title fight against Joseph Parker.
Dubois was set to make the second defence of his belt after demolishing Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September of last year.
Parker may still have the opportunity to continue his good run of form, as the promotion is currently looking to secure a last minute replacement opponent to prevent his hard training camp not going to waste, and of course to salvage a bit of ‘the fight card of the century.’
Though Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye are reportedly leading the race, one Martin Bakole has thrown his hat in the ring.
Trainer and manager Billy Nelson announced that his ‘monster’ charge is ready and willing.
@MartinBakole01 has his bags ready @Turki_alalshikh we are ready to replace Daniel no problem
— Billy Nelson (@L2Box1) February 20, 2025
We have instructed our promoter to tell the appropriate people that @MartinBakole01 is ready to fly to Saudi Arabia to fight Joe Parker, no problem whatsoever
— Billy Nelson (@L2Box1) February 20, 2025
Bakole, considered by some to be the most avoided man in the division, is currently booked for an IBF final eliminator in May against Ede Ajagba. The winner of that fight will be the official mandatory challenger for Dubois. His Parker bout was a voluntary defence.
More is expect very soon as to how the co-main event will play out, as well as the details surrounding Dubois’ sudden illness. It is the second blow to the card in the space of two days, following Floyd Schofield pulling out of his world title challenger against WBC Lightweight World Champion Shakur Stevenson, also due to sickness.
