The IBF world heavyweight title showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker on Saturday night is at risk of being postponed.
Dubois has been preparing for the second defence of his world title belt, the first being a fifth-round stoppage of Anthony Joshua in September.
Meanwhile, Parker's victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have secured the New Zealander a chance to becoming a two-time world champion.
However, late on Thursday afternoon, it emerged that Dubois has fallen ill and is currently being evaluated by doctors.
‼️ The Ring has learned that IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois is sick and is currently being evaluated by a doctor. A replacement is being pursued in the event that Dubois is unable to move forward with his defense against Joseph Parker on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/7DbYg7gCEA
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 20, 2025
The second case in 48 hours
Earlier this week, Floyd Schofield was forced to pull out of his WBC lightweight title clash with Shakur Stevenson having been hospitalised soon after his arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Englishman Josh Pedley has since stepped in to replace the American, but the stellar card is at risk of seeing its second amendment to a high-profile fight.
Dubois and Parker are due to commence their ring walks at approximately 9.30pm (GMT) on Saturday night, giving Dubois just over two days to recover if he is to compete.
Given the short timeframe, that appears highly unlikely at this stage, with an official update expected to be provided later on Thursday.
Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev are among the options being considered to potentially replace Daniel Dubois and fight Joseph Parker on Saturday night, a source has advised The Ring.
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 20, 2025
Dubois is sick and currently being evaluated by a doctor to determine whether or... pic.twitter.com/grJBzXgU0d
Three alternatives in the running?
As per Ring Magazine, Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev are at the top of the shortlist of potential late replacements.
Okolie, who has fought just once at heavyweight, is currently in line to face Richard Riakporhe in a grudge match on April 25, the former world cruiserweight champion looking to make a statement in his new division.
David Adeleye, the current English heavyweight champion, is no stranger to competing on a Saudi card having lost to Fabio Wardley in seven rounds in October 2023.
Germany's Mourad Aliev is unbeaten in 13 fights, with 10 knockouts, but is yet to fight anyone of note; the 29-year-old holds the WBC international silver heavyweight title.
Darren Plant
