- Daniel Dubois is scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker on Saturday
- The IBF heavyweight champion reported himself unwell on Thursday
Daniel Dubois is being examined by a doctor amid fears that he may have to pull out of his world heavyweight title defence here in Riyadh against Joseph Parker on Saturday night.
Dubois reported himself unwell before he was due to take part in the final press conference before the huge event.
This came less than a day after he pronounced himself ‘absolutely’ ready to go against New Zealand’s former world champion.
The ultimate prize of a fight against Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title is on the line for the winner.
Promoter Frank Warren began an immediate search for a late provisional replacement to face Parker in what would be a non title fight.
Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev are among the options being considered, according to Ring Magazine.
The rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol had already been designated as the main event on a huge card with Dubois v Parker as the co-feature.
The fight in Saudi Arabia is a match-up between two of the most in-form heavyweights.
It is supposed to be Dubois’ second title defence with his first coming when he shocked Anthony Joshua back September.
He dropped former two-time unified heavyweight champion four times before rendering him unconscious in the fifth round.
He is an odds-on favourite with to successfully defend his belt yet again on Saturday – with Dubois priced at a short 2/5 to have his hand raised.
