International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title holder Daniel Dubois won’t be facing Joseph Parker in Saturday’s high-anticipated fight due to illness.
The 27-year-old boxer did step back just two days before his mega-fight in Saudi Arabia.
Dubois beat Anthony Joshua on 21 September 2024 at Wembley Stadium in London, England by a knockout.
The win was impressive as it earned him a lot of respect. The fight with Parker was the chief support for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 card.
Despite former WBO heavyweight champion Parker being in the form of his life, the boxing pundits had Dubois as the favourite to win the fight.
Early in the week, Dubois said that ‘best is yet to come’ from his side.
However, the nature of Dubois’ illness is not at all clear yet. Dubois has an impressive professional career with 22 runs and two defeats; to Joe Joyce in 2020 and Oleksandr Usyk in 2023.
After losing out to Uysk, he did make a strong comeback and beat quality fighters in Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović and Anthony Joshua.
Dubois felt confident before Parker fought and wanted to face Uysk again and this time for the undisputed title.
There is no update yet about when this fight will take place next.
