In a surprising turn of events, heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois has pulled out of his much-anticipated IBF title defense against Joseph Parker. The match was initially slated to take place at the Riyadh Season's event, 'The Last Crescendo', on February 22, 2025. Dubois was forced to withdraw due to a viral infection. Medication prescribed for his illness left him feeling drowsy, making it unsafe to enter the ring.
The fight was destined to be a co-main event, leading up to an epic clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the light-heavyweight titles. Many boxing enthusiasts were eager to see how Dubois would fare in what was to be his first title defense since his victory over Anthony Joshua in 2024. This bout was seen as a stepping stone towards a potential face-off with the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
With Dubois unable to participate, the fight dynamics have shifted. Martin Bakole, holding a record of 21-1 with 16 KOs, steps in as Parker's new opponent. This alteration transforms the match into a contest for Parker's WBO interim heavyweight title, ensuring the event retains its draw.
Fans of Dubois received confirmation of his withdrawal from none other than his promoter, Frank Warren. Warren emphasized that the side effects from the medication, compounded by the viral infection, posed too significant a risk for Dubois to proceed with the fight. Safety first is always the mantra in these situations, and the decision was made with Dubois’ well-being as the priority.
The sudden withdrawal isn't the first challenge the card has faced. Earlier, Floyd Schofield had to bow out of a lightweight title fight against Shakur Stevenson on the same night. Despite these setbacks, the excitement surrounding the evening remains high.
Joseph Parker, ever the sportsman, expressed his readiness to face either Dubois or Bakole, fully understanding the unpredictability of the sport. He also extended wishes for a swift recovery to Dubois, showing the camaraderie often shared among top fighters.
The boxing community will certainly be watching closely to see how Dubois’ health progresses and whether future opportunities, especially a possible showdown with Usyk, can be realized. In the meantime, the new matchup between Parker and Bakole promises to deliver its own share of thrills.