Joseph Parker has praised Daniel Dubois for making "the right thing" by withdrawing from their IBF world heavyweight title fight due to illness.
Speaking at his final training session at 2am in Riyadh, Parker told Sky Sports: "He did a sensible thing. If you're sick don't fight."
The New Zealander's supportive stance comes from his own experience of fighting whilst unwell, having previously competed against Joe Joyce when under the weather.
Dubois's absence became apparent when he failed to attend Thursday's press conference, with news of his illness emerging shortly after.
Joseph Parker is happy Daniel Dubois didn't fight him while ill
GETTY
The situation developed rapidly, with Martin Bakole quickly stepping in as a replacement opponent from the Congo.
Parker only learned his original fight was at risk while travelling to the press conference.
The change means Parker will no longer challenge for Dubois's IBF world heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
Parker reflected on his own regret at fighting Joe Joyce while ill, a decision he wouldn't repeat today.
"I didn't do the most sensible thing," Parker said. "I was sick. The me now, if I'm sick I won't fight."
Daniel Dubois pulled out just days before the fight
REUTERS
"There's no point going out there and fighting your 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."
Despite the last-minute change, Parker showed no hesitation in accepting Bakole as his new opponent.
"That was a surprise to me, but I've said before - we'll fight anyone," Parker added
The former champion maintained a positive mindset about the switch.
"No time to sulk, no time to relax. Get in our work," he said.
"The show goes on. It's not even just in boxing, but in life, things happen. You just have to adjust and adapt to the situation."
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Martin Bakole has stepped up to fight Joseph Parker
PA
While Parker won't get his shot at the IBF belt, the WBO Interim championship will still be on the line in Saturday's clash with Bakole.
The winner of the contest will become the mandatory challenger for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk's WBO heavyweight title.
The bout features on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch in Saudi Arabia.
