Daniel Dubois is, reportedly, feeling unwell as doubts over the bout are raised.(Image: PA Wire/PA Images). Daniel Dubois is reportedly unwell and his upcoming heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker is in jeopardy. Dubois, who claimed the belt after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it last summer to seek out a rematch with Tyson Fury, is scheduled to defend his title for the second time following a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September.. Despite beating Dubois in 2023, Usyk opted not to engage in a second bout with him.. This week, Dubois has been present for media events, attending both the grand arrivals on Tuesday and the public workout last night, showing no visible signs of illness.. He confidently stated: “I’m flying. I feel really confident, ready to go. The talking is done, it’s time to go to work. I’m expecting just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go through him and put him to sleep. Just go for the next one. I’m hungry.”. However, according to The Ring – which is under the ownership of boxing magnate Turki Alalsheikh – there is an active search for a replacement opponent for Parker should Dubois be unable to compete.. On Thursday, that outlet reported: “The Ring has learned that IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois, is sick and is currently being evaluated by a doctor. A replacement is now being pursued in the event that Dubois is unable to move forward with his defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday night,” as per reports from The Mirror.. If Dubois were to withdraw, Parker would face a fight without a world title at stake, as he aims to become a two-time champion after previously securing the WBO belt nearly 10 years ago, which he then lost to Joshua in Cardiff.. Speaking this week, the confident New Zealand fighter expressed his optimism ahead of the upcoming bout. “I actually feel fantastic,” he declared. “I’ve done all the work and I’m well prepared.. Article continues below. I just want to go in there and put on a great display. I’m very happy, I’m excited, but I’m saving it all for fight night.”. Parker has been making waves in the boxing scene, securing five consecutive wins, with significant victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, posing a substantial challenge to Dubois’ crown. This news arrives shortly after Floyd Schofield Jr had to withdraw from a scheduled clash with Shakur Stevenson due to hospitalisation – leading to British boxer Josh Padley stepping in as his replacement on the Riyadh card.
