Daniel Dubois a doubt for Joseph Parker fight with illness
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight title fight against Joseph Parker is in doubt as the Briton is struggling with an unknown illness, his promoter Frank Warren confirmed.
Ring Magazine first reported the news on Thursday evening. It was reported Dubois was being checked by a doctor, but the nature of the illness has not been disclosed.
Warren then confirmed at Thursday’s news conference that Dubois was unwell. The London-born fighter was not in attendance at the conference.
“Daniel’s being evaluated by a doctor and when we have more news, we will share it with you and update you,” he said.
Parker responded to the news by saying he was ready to fight regardless of the opponent.
“If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon,” the New Zealander said. “I’m looking forward to Saturday and putting on a great show.”
The news comes after Floyd Schofield was forced to withdraw from his lightweight title fight against Shakur Stevenson — also due to illness — on Wednesday.
Dubois was set for first title defence since his dismantling of Anthony Joshua in five rounds last September. The bout with Parker was the co-main event on the card that is headlined by Artur Beterbiev‘s rematch with Dmitry Bivol for the light-heavyweight belts.
Beterbiev beat Bivol via majority decision in October, handing the Russian his first professional defeat.
Source: espn.com