Martin Bakole is poised to fight Joseph Parker on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office, after Daniel Dubois fell ill two days before his anticipated world heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.
Bakole is flying to Riyadh as a last-minute replacement for Dubois who has a fever and missed Thursday night’s press conference to be evaluated by a doctor.
Parker confirmed he will still fight on Saturday night and his team accepted a last-ditch fight with Bakole.
The Ring Magazine – owned by head of Riyadh Season, Turki Alalshikh – was first to announce that Dubois cannot fight, while Bakole’s promoters BOXXER posted on social media ‘Parker v Bakole is on’.
“The fight’s done,” BOXXER CEO told Sky Sports. “He was in the Congo, he’s on his way.
“If you’re ever going to have a chance at beating Martin Bakole it’s on two days’ notice. But I still think he’s the favourite in the fight. I think a 50 per cent Martin Bakole beats both heavyweights. Fair play to Joseph Parker as well for taking Martin Bakole. Let’s go!”
Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren wanted a final decision to be made on Friday, while Parker said of his original opponent: “If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday and putting on a good show. I’m ready to go. I’ve put in all the hard work. Come on Saturday.” (SkySports)