Martin Bakole has sensationally stepped in to fight Joseph Parker on Saturday in Riyadh, following Daniel Dubois’ illness.
Just before Thursday’s final press conference, Ring Magazine revealed that Dubois, who was set to defend his IBF heavyweight world title against Parker fell ill and Bakole has now replaced him on 48 hours notice.
Bakole, regarded as one of the most dangerous heavyweights on the planet, was last seen in August knocking out American hope, Jared Anderson in five rounds.
It is unknown what Dubois’ medical situation currently is, but his promoter Frank Warren confirmed that he is being assessed by a doctor.
Parker attended the final press conference on Thursday and sent his well wishes to the 27-year-old Londoner.
“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.
“I’m ready to go.
“I’ve put in all the hard work with my team in Ireland and I’m here now in Riyadh and come on Saturday.”
The 33-year-old is in a rich vein of form with back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang and was looking to win a heavyweight world title for a second time.
Prior to confirming Bakole as his next opponent, Ring Magazine reported that Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev were all being considered as replacements, if Dubois was forced to withdraw.
It marks the second replacement on the card, after Floyd Schofield was ruled out of his clash with WBC lightweight world champion, Shakur Stevenson and falling ill and being hospitalised, with the American replaced by Josh Padley.
Dubois was set to make a second defence of his IBF heavyweight crown after recording a stunning fifth round knockout of Anthony Joshua in September.
At the head of affairs, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol contest a highly-anticipated rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, four months after their first meeting in which Beterbiev ran out a majority decision winner.
