The boxing world was hit with shocking news just days before one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights of the year. Daniel Dubois, the reigning IBF world heavyweight champion, has fallen ill, putting his scheduled title defense against Joseph Parker on February 22, 2025, in serious doubt.

Dubois’ Condition and Uncertain Future

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Dubois is currently being evaluated by medical professionals to determine if he can still compete. This development is a major setback for Dubois, who was looking to solidify his standing as a world champion after capturing the IBF belt in late 2024. Now, with his health in question, his opportunity to defend his title against Parker hangs in the balance.

Who Will Step In?

With Dubois’ status uncertain, event organizers are actively searching for a replacement opponent to keep Parker in action. Among the potential substitutes are:

• Lawrence Okolie – Former WBO cruiserweight champion looking to make a statement at heavyweight.
• David Adeleye – A rising British heavyweight with knockout power.
• Mourad Aliev – An undefeated French contender eager for a big opportunity.

However, both Okolie and Adeleye are already scheduled to fight on April 5 in Manchester, which could complicate their availability for a last-minute showdown against Parker.

A Night of Chaos in Riyadh

This is the second major shake-up for the February 22 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Earlier, Floyd Schofield pulled out of his highly anticipated lightweight title fight against Shakur Stevenson due to illness. British boxer Josh Padley stepped in as a last-minute replacement to face Stevenson in what will be his first 12-round fight.

The main event, featuring the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, is still intact, but the fight card has been hit with multiple disruptions. Despite the chaos, organizers are working tirelessly to ensure the event remains an exciting spectacle for boxing fans worldwide.

Stay Updated with The Prize Boxing

As the situation unfolds, The Prize Boxing will continue to bring you the latest updates, fight news, and in-depth analysis on this developing story. Whether it’s last-minute changes, fight breakdowns, or expert insights, we deliver the most accurate and up-to-date coverage in the boxing world.

Who should step in to fight Joseph Parker if Dubois is ruled out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!