A massive shake-up has hit the heavyweight boxing division, as Daniel Dubois is no longer set to face Joseph Parker this weekend. The highly anticipated fight was scheduled as part of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 card, where Dubois was expected to defend his IBF heavyweight title—a belt he won after dismantling Anthony Joshua last September.

However, just days before the showdown, plans have changed drastically. Dubois is out, leaving a void in one of the biggest undercard fights of the event. But why was the fight scrapped? Who is stepping in as Parker’s new opponent? And will Dubois vs. Parker still happen in the future? Let’s break it all down.

Why Was Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker Called Off?

The main reason behind Dubois’ withdrawal is illness. The British powerhouse was deemed medically unfit to compete just two days before fight night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

After medical evaluations, doctors confirmed that Dubois was in no condition to fight. This development is a massive disappointment, considering this was supposed to be his first title defense since stunning Joshua in a brutal stoppage win.

Fans had eagerly anticipated a war between Dubois and Parker, especially with Parker riding a wave of momentum after a commanding victory over Deontay Wilder. But now, Parker finds himself facing a new challenge—one that could change the entire landscape of the heavyweight division.

Joseph Parker finds a last-minute opponent!

Despite the shakeup, Joseph Parker won’t be sitting out. Instead, he now has a new opponent: Martin Bakole. The Congolese contender has agreed to step in on short notice, ensuring that the co-main event of Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 remains intact.

Parker won’t back down from any challenge!

With this unexpected opponent swap, Parker is once again proving that he’s willing to take on anyone, anytime, anywhere. Fresh off his dominant win over Wilder, Parker is looking to further establish himself as a top contender in the heavyweight title picture.

Martin Bakole: The Dangerous Replacement

Martin Bakole may be a last-minute stand-in, but don’t underestimate him. Bakole has been rapidly climbing the heavyweight ranks, and his resume includes an upset victory over Tony Yoka—a fight where he showcased his explosive power and relentless pressure.

Bakole’s Strengths:
Devastating knockout power: 14 of his 19 professional wins have come via KO.
Iron chin—he can take serious punishment and keep coming forward.
Aggressive inside fighting—perfect for disrupting Parker’s rhythm.

This isn’t just a random replacement—Bakole is a serious threat, and if Parker isn’t careful, he could find himself in deep trouble against the hard-hitting Congolese contender.

Will Dubois vs. Parker be rescheduled?

With Dubois unable to compete, the big question now is: Will he and Parker still fight in the near future?

According to event organizers, the Dubois vs. Parker fight is still on the table—but only once Dubois recovers. However, this depends on how Parker performs against Bakole.

If Parker wins, he is still in line for a shot at Dubois’ IBF title. But if he loses, the opportunity could slip away, potentially putting Bakole in title contention instead.

This means the upcoming Parker vs. Bakole fight has major implications—not just for Parker’s career but also for Dubois’ future title defense.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2: The War Is Still On!

While Dubois vs. Parker has been scrapped, the main event remains a can’t-miss showdown—as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol prepare to clash for light heavyweight supremacy.

This is one of the most anticipated rematches in boxing history. Their first encounter saw Bivol push Beterbiev to his limits, but this time, Beterbiev—the undefeated knockout artist—is coming for revenge.

Both fighters have destroyed top-tier opponents, making this fight an all-out war for the undisputed light heavyweight crown.

What’s Next for Daniel Dubois?

With Dubois sidelined due to illness, the heavyweight division has been thrown into uncertainty. The 27-year-old was on the verge of making a statement defense of his IBF title, proving that his destruction of Anthony Joshua was no fluke. However, this unfortunate setback has left fans wondering: What’s next for the British knockout artist?

Will Dubois Lose His IBF Belt?

Right now, Dubois still holds his IBF world title, but if his recovery takes too long, the IBF could force him to vacate the belt. The governing body has strict rules regarding mandatory defenses, and Parker remains the top-ranked challenger. If Parker beats Bakole convincingly, he may demand an interim title fight or even be upgraded to full champion status.

A High-Stakes Return for Dubois

When Dubois does return, he won’t have the luxury of a warm-up fight. He will likely face Parker next, but if Parker loses to Bakole, Dubois could end up defending his title against a new challenger entirely. That means his next fight will be a do-or-die moment—either cementing his place as a dominant champion or sending him back to rebuild his career.

One thing’s for sure: the heavyweight division is heating up, and Dubois has everything to prove once he steps back into the ring.

Final Thoughts: The Heavyweight Storm Continues!

Although Dubois vs. Parker has been delayed, the action in Riyadh is far from over. Parker vs. Bakole promises to be a high-stakes battle, while Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 will decide the ultimate king of the light heavyweight division.

Will Parker overcome Bakole to keep his title shot intact? Or will Bakole pull off a shocking career-defining victory?

One thing is certain—the Kingdom Arena is about to witness absolute carnage!