Daniel Dubois remains in rough shape after getting yanked from his high-profile heavyweight title defense on the Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 fight card later today (Sat., Feb. 22, 2025) LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this week, boxing fans were thrown a curveball when news leaked that Dubois was forced out of this weekend’s title fight against Joseph Parker due to illness. The severity of Dubois’ condition was unknown at the time, but it still meant a major shakeup to one of the most stacked boxing cards of the year.
Following his removal, Dubois was replaced by an out-of-shape Martin Bakole on just two days notice. It was a crushing blow for Dubois, who is coming off a spectacular knockout win over Anthony Joshua this past September, and also for Parker, who is coming off back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
On Friday, Queensberry Promotions frontman, Frank Warren, discussed Dubois’ current state and how he’s reacting to his unfortunate withdrawal. Warren revealed that the IBF heavyweight champion is actually feeling worse than he did a few days ago and could be sidelined for the next few months.
Check it out below:
“Very, very disappointed,” Warren told Ring Magazine. “He’s ill. He actually feels worse today. I think hopefully he’s on a plane out for him tonight or tomorrow. He’s got to shake it off, get himself well, and be out of the game probably for the next three months.
“Very, very disappointed as everyone is. As we are. It’s just such a shame. All the hard work he put in. All the money he’s laid out, which he has to do for himself as a fighter. His camp, paying for sparring partners, hotels, flights, everything else. All gone to waste.”
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This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
