Martin Bakole sensationally entered to fight Joseph Parker on Saturday in Riyadh after Daniel Dubois’s illness.

Just before the Thursday press conference, the Ring magazine revealed that Dubois, who was to defend his title of IBF heavyweight champion against Parker, fell ill, and Bakole replaced him for 48 hours.

Bakole, considered one of the most hazardous heavyweight in the world, was recently seen in August Pinking American Hope, Jared Anderson in five rounds.

It is not known what the medical situation of Dubois is now, but his promoter Frank Warren confirmed that he was assessed by a doctor.

Parker participated in Final press conference On Thursday and sent his wishes to a 27-year-old Londonian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvubgpbuq0

“If he is infirmed, I hope it will improve soon,” said Recent Zelander.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday and presenting a great program.

“I’m ready to go out.

“I put all my difficult work with my team in Ireland and I am here in Riyadh and I come on Saturday.”

The 33-year-old is in a wealthy form with victories in Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang and for the second time he wanted to win the title of heavyweight champion.

Before confirming Bakole as his next opponent, Ring Magazine announced that Lawrence Okolie, David Adelye and Mourad Aliev were considered substitutes if Dubois was forced to withdraw.

This is the second replacement on the card, after Floyd Schofield has been excluded from his clash with the lightweight world champion of WBC, Shakur Stevenson and the illness and hospitalized, and the American replaced Josh Padley.

Dubois was to make a second defense of his IBF massive crown after recording the stunning Anthony Joshua Cup in the fifth round.

At the head of the case, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitriry Bivol, highly expected rematch to the unquestioned lightweight heavyweight championships, four months after the first meeting, during which Beterbiev ended the winner of the majority.

After thrilling fans in one of last year’s awnings Artur Beterbiv and Dmitry Bivol are ready to take the competition to recent heights.

Beterbav (21-0, 20 KO) will defend its undisputed airy weight crown in the revenge of versus Bivol (23-1, 12 KO) on Saturday, February 22, at Anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Beterbiev became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing within a quarter of a century with an intriguing decision about the majority in October in October last year. Although the precision and general of Bivol controlled the early trip, the harsh power and the relentless Beterbiv pressure reversed the tide in later rounds. The results-114-114, 115-113 and 116-112-thype of Beterbaiew’s claim to the throne of the division, but caused calls for a rematch to erase any doubts.

Beterbiv-Bivol II is at the top of a historically loaded card that will broadcast live to Dazn PPV.

At the Thursday press conference, so they said the fighters of the main event and the highest class Operational Director Brad Jacobs:

Artur Beterbiev

“I want to defend my belts. It’s very straightforward. “

“I was cheerful with the first fight because I won. There are many things {I ​​learned}. It’s too long to tell you. Let’s talk after the fight. “

“We’ll do something different for this fight. We are working on it. “

“Don’t miss our fight. It will be a good fight. “

Dmitriry Bivol

“All athletes want to win. Just like gambling. Of course, I didn’t win last time. And I really want to win. They are burning in me. I want to change something because I see where I was wrong at some moments. And I want to change it. As an athlete, I want it. “

“Every time you exchange blows, this is a risk. With a warrior like Beterbiev, this is a risk when you exchange blows. And yes, sometimes I have to do it. “

“If you liked the fight, I’m sure the second fight would not be less intriguing than the first fight. Watch the fight on February 22. “

@Abeterbiev vs. @bivol_d

Who do you have?! #Beterbivbivol2 |. #Harhsaonon |. February 22, live in Dazn: click the link in BIO to buy @Turki_ALSHIKHH pic.twitter.com/qy6f4aly

– DAZN Boxing (@daznboxing) February 20, 2025

Brad Jacobs

“On behalf of Bob Arum and the highest rank, we are excited that we can be part of the next event here in Riyjad. When you see a classic fight, just like in October, fans begging for a rematch. And thanks to his Excellency and everyone in the Riyadh season we now have one. It is amazing that it happened so quickly. This is a testimony for both warriors. We are excited that we can be part of it and we are looking for another victory of Artur Beterbaview. “

Daniel Dubois is evaluated by a doctor and may be forced to withdraw from Saturday’s heavyweight clash with Joseph Parker.

Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, was hit by the disease just two days before he should get to the ring in Saudi Arabia. And the organizers are already trying to develop a list of deputies in case the 27-year-old must withdraw.

Lawrence Okolie, David Adelye and Mourad Aliiev are considered for the summons at the last minute, according to Ring magazine.

Okay, 32, born in London, can boast of a professional boxing record of 21 wins and one defeat. He was in the ring in December, but he did not participate in a fight, which had crossed one round since May 2023.

Adeleye, who also comes from London, recently fought on the same card as Okolie, taking the title of English massive weight from Solomon Dacres on the Wembley Arena. He has only one defeat in his record that appeared against Fabio Wardley in 2023.

Aliev is an unknown amount for comparison. A 29-year-old Frenchman, who has a high 6-inch feet, became a professional in 2021, but has a perfect record of 13 wins, without draws and without paralysis.

Dubois would be a stern blow to the organizers of what is settled as one of the best martial arts cards in the latest memory. The IBF heavyweight fight against Parker is planned for a co-main party along with the rematch of Artur Berbetiev with Dmitryjum Bivol.

Earlier at night Shakur Stevenson will fight Josh Padley for the title of WBC Lightweight, and Carlos Adames will face Hamzah Sheeraz for the title of WBC Middle Wweight. Zhilei Zhang, Joshua Batsi and Callum Smith are among other fighters in action.

Dubois shares are all time after winning with Anthony Joshua in September. The British has three fighting series after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023 and will strengthen his status of the proper belt owner, winning over the parker.

Novel Zelander Parker has his own five -person run and has monuments to become a two -time heavyweight champion. The 33-year-old boasts victories over Derek Chisor, Deontay Wilder and Zhang in an impressive CV boxing.