Dubois cancels title defense cause of illness, Parker will now fight Bakole

IBF World heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) had to cancel his title defense against Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) because of illness.

Dubois was supposed to fight this Saturday in Riyad, Saud Arabia against Parker. He was evaluated medically and missed Thursday’s press conference. It was confirmed later that he is ill and had to cancel fight.

Parker will instead fight Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) on Saturday.

“If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon and I’m looking forward to Saturday and having a great show,” Parker said before learning of the replacement.