Daniel Dubois was forced to pull out of his fight against Joseph Parker due to illness. Dubois was set to take on Parker in the co-main event of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 card on February 22.

However, Britain's Dubois was forced to withdraw from the Parker fight on Thursday, which was set to co-headline the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 mega-card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parker will instead defend his WBO interim heavyweight title against dangerous contender Martin Bakole on the show.

Dubois was due to defend the IBF heavyweight title against Parker on Saturday, but the champion was pulled from the fight on two days’ notice due to illness. That led Bakole to step in, as the “most-avoided” heavyweight fights Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Oleksandr Usyk was ringside to watch Joseph Parker take on Martin Bakole. It was a whirlwind week in Saudi Arabia, where Parker was initially set to challenge Daniel Dubois for his IBF heavyweight title.

Daniel Dubois’ sudden withdrawal and Oleksandr Usyk’s desire for a rematch have shaken up heavyweight boxing. Discover the latest drama from Saudi Arabia and what’s next for the division.

DANIEL DUBOIS can put himself in line for a shot at revenge and the undisputed heavyweight title with victory over Joseph Parker. Dubois defends his IBF belt against Parker on Saturday in Saudi

In seven fights with recognizable names, only one features a favorite with larger odds than -300, with the lone fight with wider odds a result of Shakur Stevenson facing a late replacement in Josh Padley.

Joseph Parker defied his doubters with a demolition of Martin Bakole on Saturday, after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness. Dubois was due to defend the IBF heavyweight title against Parker in Riyadh,

Joseph Parker has shared his true feelings after his world heavyweight title bout with Daniel Dubois was cancelled on short notice. The former WBO Heavyweight Champion was due to challenge the Brit for his IBF portion of the heavyweight crown.