Daniel Dubois has pulled out of his IBF world heavyweight title defence against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker 48 hours before the bout because of illness. The British fighter, who dismantled Anthony Joshua at Wembley four months ago,

Joseph Parker will take on Martin Bakole this weekend in Saudi Arabia, and not Daniel Dubois. This is because the Londoner has picked up an illness that has ruled him out of the contest, which had

Dubois won the interim IBF heavyweight belt by stopping Filip Hrgovic in June, before being elevated to official champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the regular belt. The Briton then retained the title in September, with a knockout of compatriot Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. It is unclear what is next for Dubois or the IBF belt.

Daniel Dubois might not be fighting Joseph Parker this weekend in what would be a huge disappointment for boxing fans.

It would have been the latest IBF title defence for Dubois following his destructive knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September, and his promoter Frank Warren revealed at the weigh-in just what ‘DDD’ made of having to withdraw from Saturday’s fight.

Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are expected to make their way to the ring anytime around 9pm UK time. The fight time is subject to change depending on how the previous fights develop, so keep an eye on the action on the day. Everything could shift at short notice on the night.

The Kiwi heavyweight will now meet Congolese star Martin Bakole (21-1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday (NZ time) after IBF champion Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness. Parker was scheduled to be the first challenger to Dubois' title after the 27-year-old Englishman won the vacant belt with a knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September.

When Joseph Parker was slated to face Daniel Dubois in the heavyweight co-main event to Artur Beterbiev's rematch with Dmitry Bivol, there was a clear

This one symptom is what ultimately led to Daniel Dubois having to withdraw from his fight against Joseph Parker.

Daniel Dubois has been forced to pull out of his huge world title defence against Joseph Parker after falling ill 48 hours before the first bell in Saudi Arabia

IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois is reportedly unwell, throwing Saturday's title fight with Joseph Parker into doubt.