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.

World heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdrew on Thursday from his scheduled title defense against Joseph Parker on Saturday after falling ill.

Dubois' illness cost him millions in guaranteed purse and potential sponsorship losses. Joseph Parker faces Martin Bakole on short notice after Dubois withdraws. Parker showcases adaptability and expresses well-wishes to Dubois for a swift recovery.