DANIEL Dubois has withdrawn from his IBF heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness.Dubois was forced to pull out on Thursday – just two days before his hotly anticipated mega-fight in Saudi Arabia.Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his heavyweight title fight against Joseph ParkerCredit: ReutersDubois was set to fight Parker on SaturdayCredit: GettyParker will now fight Congolese boxer Martin BakoleCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was examined by doctors in Riyadh and has since been ruled out with sickness.Parker will now fight Congolese boxer Martin Bakole on Saturday, as the co-feature before Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol.That means no world title belt will be on the line for Parker, who was attempting to become a two-time champion.Dubois was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and so fast-rising star Bakole will take his place in the chief support slot.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe 31-year-old took the call from his native Congo and agreed to step in for Dubois on just two days notice.The Scottish-based heavyweight has been back in his homeland on holiday – now he is packing his bags ready to fly out to Riyadh.Bakole faces a mad dash to get nearly 3,000 miles east but he will be handsomely paid for his efforts.Dubois was looking to defend his IBF title on Saturday after coming off a huge knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe won the belt when Oleksandr Usyk gave it up last summer to pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury instead of a second fight with Dubois, whom he beat in 2023.Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren said: “Unfortunately Daniel is unwell and when we have more news we will update you.”Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsDubois vs Parker: Ring walk, TV channel and full card – everything you need to know for the massive heavyweight title fightSunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning when a head cold was hinted at.But – as late as 5pm UK – there was no concern or panic among organisers about the chief support.Queensberry boss and Dubois promoter Warren was seen with his phone glued to his ear today.British boxers Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye and French star Mourad Aliev were initially said to be the frontrunners to replace Dubois.But Bakole, who is the cousin of former cruiserweight boxing world champion, Ilunga Makabu, has since been confirmed.BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom worked frantically to get his 31-year-old boogieman the gig and – now he had pulled off the coup – has to somehow get him over the Gulf of Aden – and into the ring.BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom worked frantically to get Bakole in as Dubois’ replacementShalom grinned: “We pushed so hard for Martin once we heard the bad news about Daniel Dubois, who we wish a speedy recovery.“We didn’t think that Joe Parker would take such a dangerous fight against Martin on two days’ notice, so absolutely total credit to him and his team.“We thought the hard work would be getting Martin the sort of big fight he has long deserved.“But now the real work of actually getting him here begins.”Parker won the WBO belt almost a decade ago before losing it to Joshua in Cardiff.The New Zealander said: “If he (Dubois) is unwell, I hope he gets better soon because I am looking forward to putting on a great show.”I am ready to go, I have put all the hard work in for Saturday.” SunSport has contacted Dubois’ team for comment.Who is Dubois’ replacement Martin Bakole?By Jack Figg in RiyadhWhen Joseph Parker was on the press conference stage his fight with Daniel Dubois was still on.By the time he got off, so was the fight.Dubois was pulled out with sickness so a mad scramble ensued to find a replacement – which has since been confirmed as Congolese boxer Martin Bakole.Bakole is based in Scotland with trainer Billy Nelson – having moved there from Africa.The cousin of former WBC cruiserweight champ Ilunga Makabu, Bakole made his name as Anthony Joshua’s favourite sparring partner. But he was dealt a major blow in 2018 after defeat to American Michael Hunter, forcing Bakole into a rebuild. That set up 10 wins on the bounce including impressive performances against Carlos Takam, 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka and Yank prospect Jared Anderson. Bakoke recently called out old pal AJ to a rumble in the African jungle after toppling Anderson. The British-based brute is 20 STONE and a real handful, so no one has been queuing up to fight him. But perhaps there is no man more fearless in the heavyweight division than Parker – who has been forced to step up again. How the week unfolded in SaudiOn Monday night in Riyadh, at around 3pm UK time, Dubois sat down with the British boxing media and was in fine health and fettle.The IBF champ joked about his new passion for go karting and having to squeeze his giant frame into thr little motors.On Tuesday, he strolled on the grand arrivals stage and spoke with conviction.And even on Wednesday, at the chilly media workout, he looked perfectly fine and did a little shadowboxing.He showed no sign of illness as he said: “I’m flying. I feel really confident, ready to go. The talking is done, it’s time to go to work.”I’m expecting just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go through him and put him to sleep. Just go for the next one. I’m hungry.”Dubois has fulfilled his media obligations this weekCredit: GettySunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morningCredit: GettyAt some stage at the start of the week, Sky Sports were welcomed down to the Mike Tyson gym, that all the fighters share, and Dubois was in phenomenal form, smashing the pads trainer Kieran Farrell held for him.There was no heavy breathing, coughs or sneezes, just the booming sound of leather on leather.But Dubois didn’t appear at Thursday evening’s final press conference.It becomes the second blow to what has been billed as ‘The Fight Card of the Century’.Floyd Schofield was forced to pull out of his clash with Shakur Stevenson, after being hospitalised with illness.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland’s part-time electrician Josh Padley has since flown in and will attempt a fairytale story as a huge underdog.The card is still topped by what many deem is the best fight in boxing – a rematch between undisputed light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. 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