DANIEL DUBOIS’ heavyweight title clash with Joseph Parker is at risk of being CALLED OFF.
Dubois is reportedly unwell and is being evaluated by doctors just two days before his hotly anticipated showdown in Saudi Arabia.
ReutersDaniel Dubois’ heavyweight title fight has been thrown into jeopardy[/caption]
GettyDubois is set to fight Joseph Parker on Saturday[/caption]
The 27-year-old is coming off a huge knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September and is looking to defend his IBF title this weekend.
He won the belt when Oleksandr Usyk gave it up last summer to pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury instead of a second fight with Dubois whom he beat in 2023.
But Dubois vs Parker could be in serious jeopardy after the Brit fell ill, according to Ring Magazine – which is owned by fight host and Saudi boxing boss Turki Alsheikh.
Dubois is being assessed by a doctor in Riyadh to determine whether or not he can still fight.
SunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning when a head cold was hinted at.
But – as late as 5pm UK – there was no concern or panic among organisers about the chief support.
Queensberry boss and Dubois promoter Frank Warren was seen with his phone glued to his ear today, hopefully listening out for a more positive diagnosis, or working on a late replacement.
A source close to the camp told SunSport: “Nothing is confirmed yet.
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“But IF Daniel cannot fight, then it will be rearranged very quickly.”
Three replacements have already been lined up to replace Dubois in case the Brit is forced to pull out.
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British boxers Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye and Frenchman Mourad Aliev are among the options being considered to fight Parker instead.
Should Dubois be ruled out, that would mean no world title would be on the line for Parker who is attempting to become a two-time champion.
The New Zealander won the WBO belt almost a decade ago before losing it to Joshua in Cardiff.
SunSport has contacted Dubois’ team for comment.
On Monday night in Riyadh, at around 3pm UK time, Dubois sat down with the British boxing media and was in fine health and fettle.
The IBF champ joked about his new passion for go karting and having to squeeze his giant frame into thr little motors.
On Tuesday, he strolled on the grand arrivals stage and spoke with conviction.
And even on Wednesday, at the chilly media workout, he looked perfectly fine and did a little shadowboxing.
He showed no sign of illness as he said: “I’m flying. I feel really confident, ready to go. The talking is done, it’s time to go to work.
“I’m expecting just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go through him and put him to sleep. Just go for the next one. I’m hungry.”
GettyDubois has fulfilled his media obligations this week[/caption]
GettySunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning[/caption]
At some stage at the start of the week, Sky Sports were welcomed down to the Mike Tyson gym, that all the fighters share, and Dubois was in phenomenal form, smashing the pads trainer Kieran Farrell held for him.
There was no heavy breathing, coughs or sneezes, just the booming sound of leather on leather.
Everyone in Riyadh involved in the fight was stunned on Thursday evening when they arrived to find Dubois ill.
If it’s called off, it will be the second blow to what has been billed as ‘the fight card of the century’.
Floyd Schofield was forced to pull out of his clash with Shakur Stevenson, after being hospitalised with illness.
England’s part-time electrician Josh Padley has since flown in and will attempt a fairytale story as a huge underdog.
The card is still topped by what many deem is the best fight in boxing – a rematch between undisputed light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
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