Congolese boxer Martin Bakole has been confirmed as the replacement for Daniel Dubois in Saturday night's IBF world title fight against Joseph Parker in Riyadh.
Former world champion Anthony Joshua, despite being present in the Saudi Arabian capital, was not considered as a late replacement option for the bout, according to Boxing Kingdom.
The decision comes as a surprise given Joshua's status in heavyweight boxing, though he has not competed since suffering a knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September.
The winner of Saturday's contest was set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a unification clash later this year.
Anthony Joshua wasn't considered to replace Daniel Dubois in Saturday night's fight with Joseph Parker
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Dubois was forced to withdraw from the fight after being examined by a doctor in Riyadh on Thursday.
The 27-year-old champion had reported feeling unwell before the final press conference, leading to an urgent medical assessment.
The news came as a shock, occurring less than 24 hours after Dubois had declared himself 'absolutely' ready to face the New Zealand former world champion.
Promoter Frank Warren was forced into a frantic search for a replacement, ultimately securing Bakole for Saturday night's contest.
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Anthony Joshua hasn't fought since losing to Daniel Dubois back in September
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Joshua's knockout defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium marked a significant turning point in his career, with the 35-year-old being dropped multiple times before the fifth-round stoppage.
The loss occurred in front of 96,000 fans on September 21, and Joshua has not returned to the ring in the five months since.
Questions about retirement have surrounded the former champion during his period of inactivity.
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His presence in Riyadh this week has sparked interest, though he was overlooked for the opportunity to challenge for the IBF world title.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has recently outlined Joshua's future plans, suggesting the heavyweight will have 'two fights, three fights max' remaining.
'The plan and the goal for Anthony Joshua, always, from now to the moment he retires, is to try and win the world heavyweight championship,' Hearn told talkSPORT.
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Hearn revealed Joshua's primary ambition is to become a three-time world champion.
'If you said to AJ, "what do you want to do most next?" He would say, "I want to fight the winner of Dubois/Parker. I want another shot at a World Heavyweight title,"' Hearn added.
Joshua has recently taken to Instagram to showcase his return to training.
The former champion shared two videos of himself shadow boxing, one featuring a topless workout on a beach.
Daniel Dubois won't be facing Joseph Parker on Saturday night
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A second clip showed Joshua continuing his training session in the evening near a Gazebo stand.
These social media updates come as Joshua seeks to rebuild following his defeat to Dubois.
The British heavyweight previously holds a victory over Parker, having secured a unanimous decision win when they met in 2018.
