Heavyweight Daniel Dubois’ world title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday is in doubt with reports that the champion has fallen ill.
The Briton is under medical evaluation in Riyadh and a replacement is being sourced should the 27-year-old not be deemed fit to fight, according to the Ring Magazine.
He is not expected to attend Thursday’s news conference in Saudi Arabia, although his promoter, Frank Warren, is expected to make an announcement.
Dubois has won 22 pro fights with two defeats. He won the ‘interim’ IBF title against Filip Hrgovic and was elevated to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
The Londoner made a first defence of his belt by stopping Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September.
New Zealand’s Parker, 33, has a record of 35 wins and three defeats. He held the WBO heavyweight title between 2015 and 2017.
The contest is the chief support to the undisputed light-heavyweight fight between champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Also on the card, Briton Hamzah Sheeraz challenges Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title.
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