Daniel Dubois has broken his silence after being forced to pull out of his heavyweight title fight with Joseph Parker.
The British star withdrew from the clash just two days before his mouthwatering dust-up in Saudi Arabia. ‘Triple D’ was set to put his IBF title on the line for a second time having knocked out Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September.
In a video posted on X, Dubois said: “Hi guys, I’m back. Obviously you know what happened, I got ill in Riyadh. I wanted to fight, but I took the doctors’, my dad’s and my team’s advice and pulled out of the fight.
“I’m gutted about it, but s*** happens in life. But I’m back now and I can’t wait to give you guys some fight news soon. I want them all. Usyk, Parker, AJ and whoever else wants it.”
The 27-year-old fulfilled his media obligations in Saudi, appearing at both the grand arrivals on Tuesday and Wednesday night’s public workout.
He showed no sign of illness as he said: “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.” Dubois was examined by doctors in Riyadh and was ruled out with sickness.
Therefore, it means that there was no world title on the line for Parker – who was attempting to become a two-time champion. Martin Bakole was brought in as Dubois’ replacement to fight the Kiwi after accepting the call from his native Congo.
Following the news that Dubois was unfit to step into the ring this weekend, Parker was all class and admitted the Brit did ‘the right thing.’ In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “He did a sensible thing. If you’re sick don’t fight. “I didn’t do the most sensible thing. I was sick. The me now, if I’m sick I won’t fight. He [Dubois] did the right thing.
“There’s no point going out there and fighting you’re heart out and you’re not in the right physical shape. Go out there and fight when you’re at peak, top shape, top condition, and put on your best performance. Put your best foot forward and the one that everyone will remember. Not the one that everyone remembers [against Joyce with] me being sick.”
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