Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his IBF heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness, with Martin Bakole stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Saturday's fight in Saudi Arabia.
Bakole has agreed to face Parker with just 48 hours notice after Dubois was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors.
The Congolese heavyweight was originally scheduled to fight Efe Ajagba in May to become mandatory challenger for the IBF title.
The bout will serve as the co-main event on a card headlined by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol's undisputed light heavyweight title clash.
Daniel Dubois has pulled out of the fight against Joseph Parker through illness
PA
Dubois' promoter Frank Warren confirmed the heavyweight champion was being assessed by doctors after missing Thursday night's press conference.
The British fighter had attended Wednesday's public workout as scheduled and showed no obvious signs of illness at the time.
Speaking at the press conference, Parker addressed his opponent's withdrawal, saying: "If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon.
"I'm looking forward to Saturday and putting on a great show."
Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye and Mourad Aliev were initially on a shortlist of potential replacements being considered for the fight.
However, promoter Ben Shalom urged Parker to accept Bakole as the opponent after the Congolese fighter's trainer Billy Nelson indicated he was ready to travel.
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Bakole has emerged as a rising force in the heavyweight division following impressive stoppage victories over Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson.
The heavy-handed African star has rebuilt his career since suffering his sole professional defeat against Michael Hunter in 2018.
"What an opportunity this could be for Martin Bakole," Shalom told Sky Sports.
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Joseph Parker had been set to fight for the IBF title on Saturday night
Reuters
"I think it's the best option for Joseph Parker in terms of a 50/50 fight. Martin will do it on two-days notice, he doesn't duck anyone, he wants everyone."
Shalom added: "Now it's over to Joseph Parker, whether he will take on the challenge that is Martin Bakole."
The heavyweight clash remains a featured bout on the marquee Riyadh Season fight card, which has already seen one other replacement after Floyd Schofield withdrew from his contest with Shakur Stevenson.
