Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Joseph Parker, Boxing, Saudi Arabia
Ryan Smart
Daniel Dubois has been ruled out of his IBF heavyweight title fight against Joseph Parker on Saturday - and his replacement has already been officially named.
Dubois was evaluated by doctors on Thursday after becoming 'sick', as reported by the Ring Magazine.
He was forced to pull out of press conference commitments ahead of the bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was due to see him defend his IBF heavyweight title for the second time.
It was reported that Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye were being considered as potential replacements if Dubois was forced to pull out.
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Hours later, it has now been confirmed that Dubois has indeed withdrawn from the fight - with a previously unreported name announced to face Parker instead.
The New Zealander will now face the Congolese fighter Martin Bakole over 12 rounds.
Bakole, who is the current WBO International champion, has a 21-1 professional record and most recently defeated Jared Anderson via fifth-round knockout in California in July.
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Fans expressed surprise that organisers had managed to attract such a name at short notice - though his promoter Ben Shalom confirmed upon hearing the initial reports surrounding Dubois that Bakole was ready to travel to Saudi Arabia if needed.
"Martin will do it on two days notice," he told Sky Sports. "He doesn't duck anyone, he wants everyone.
"Now it's over to Joseph Parker, whether he will take on the challenge that is Martin Bakole."
Parker, meanwhile, was asked about Dubois' sickness - with his withdrawal yet to be confirmed at the time - and said he would fight on Saturday regardless.
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"If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon," Parker said. "I'm looking forward to Saturday and putting on a great show.
"I'm ready to go. I've put in all the hard work with my team. I'm here now in Riyadh - come on Saturday."