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      in Soccer

      Chelsea learn which two teams they could face as Conference League last-16 is confirmed

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      CHELSEA are a step closer to learning their Europa Conference League fate for the last 16.The Blues, who topped the league phase with a flawless showing, now know which two teams they could play in the next round.Chelsea have learnt who they will face in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side bypassed the need for a play-off round and booked a spot straight into the last 16 proper thanks to their league phase efforts.And now the Stamford Bridge outfit will take on one of the winners from the play-off round in the last 16 in March.Chelsea had known they would face one of Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen or Heidenheim next, but now know that it is between just two of those sides after the conclusion of the play-off round.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA draw will take place on Friday to determine which of Betis and Copenhagen will have to travel to SW6 next month.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.Chelsea haven’t played against Real Betis since a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League all the way back in 2005.While their last clash against Copenhagen saw them play out a 0-0 draw in the 2010/11 Champions League round of 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As a seeded team, Chelsea will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge scheduled for March 13.Chelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty’Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake More

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      in Soccer

      I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

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      TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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      England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

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      LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Keely Hodgkinson looks stunning in bold outfit as she poses with £15million F1 car ahead of new season

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      OLYMPIC hero Keely Hodgkinson has swapped the running track for the race track as she posed in front of Aston Martin’s new Formula One car.The gold medallist donned a sharp pantsuit as she attended the F1’s 75th anniversary car launch event at the O2 in London on Tuesday.Keely Hodgkinson posed in front of Aston Martin’s F1 carCredit: instagram The Olympic hero attended F1’s launch event at the O2Credit: PAHodgkinson, who captured the hearts of the nation with her heroics in Paris last summer, posed in front of Aston Martin’s new livery at the event.The car, which will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, is likely to be worth around £15MILLION – as is the average for a F1 car.Fans of Hodgkinson and F1 were loving the crossover when she posted the snap on Instagram.One wrote: “Almost as fast as you”.READ MORE IN F1While another added: “I wonder which is faster? My bet is on the two legged racing machine”.And a third joked: “I see you are getting closer to your dream car!” Hodgkinson was joined by a whole host of other stars at the event in Greenwich.Alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, celeb attendees included Gordon Ramsay, Jack Whitehall and Maura Higgins.Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyChristian Horner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Jack Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMaura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexHodgkinson will have enjoyed a night to take her mind off the heartache of an injury scuppering her chances of breaking a longstanding world record.The 22-year-old had planned to run the quickest time over 800 metres indoors at her inaugural Keely Klassic at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena last weekend.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford But she saw her opportunity to do so snatched away when an injury in her hamstring flared up just three days before the event.And a scan has since revealed a significant problem that has even raised questions about her ability to compete again this winter.Speaking on the injury, Hodgkinson revealed that she shed a tear upon finding out the news.She said: “I’m so gutted and disappointed to be announcing this. I’m devastated to be missing the launch of the first Keely Klassic.”Me and my team worked so hard these last couple of months to put me in a perfect position to race, and I was so excited to perform in front of a home crowd.”I won’t lie – when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear.”I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans.”Especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But this event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”That’s something I’m committed to for the long term. I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it’s an amazing night for the athletes and the fans.”Hodgkinson was ruled out of a world record attempt at the inaugural Keely Klassic with a hamstring injuryCredit: APThe star still turned up at the eventCredit: GettyHodgkinson won gold in the Women’s 800m in ParisCredit: PAShe was also named as BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024Credit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

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      JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Boxing

      Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

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      BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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      in Boxing

      Three emergency Daniel Dubois replacements lined up to face Joseph Parker after Brit falls ill days before fight

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      THREE emergency replacements have been lined up to replace Daniel Dubois amid concern he could be about to pull out of his fight with Joseph Parker.Dubois’ heavyweight bout is in jeopardy after news broke that the Brit fighter is SICK and being evaluated by doctors.Daniel Dubois’ fight with Joseph Parker is in jeopardy after the brit fell sickCredit: GettyThree replacements have been touted for Joseph Parker to take onCredit: GettyAnd with organisers scrambling to ensure they still have an event to put on, reports claim that three fighters have already been eyed to step in for Dubois, should he pull out.According to Ring Magazine, Parker could face one of Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye or Mourad Aliev instead.Okolie, 32, is set to fight Richard Riakporhe at Co-op Live in Manchester in April, but could still step into the ring in Riyadh this weekend.London-born big-hitter David Adeleye is also scheduled to fight on the Manchester card, but is still thought to be available to cover for Dubois.READ MORE IN BOXINGUndefeated Aliev, 29, last fought in December and is the only one that doesn’t have a fight already penned in his calendar.However, the Frenchman has never fought outside of Europe before.For now, it remains unconfirmed as to whether Dubois’ illness will stop the fight from going ahead.And a source close to the camp told SunSport: “Nothing is confirmed yet.Most read in BoxingParker’s potential opponentsBy Jack FiggLAWRENCE OKOLIEThe 2016 Olympian held the WBO cruiserweight title for three fights and two years before moving up in weight.Okolie then won the WBC bridgerweight belt – just below heavyweight – before joining the blue riband division.The 6ft 5in powerhouse then packed on the pounds to 18st 6lb in his heavyweight debut to announce himself to his new-found rivals.Okolie – recently signed to Frank Warren – is due to fight Richard Riakphore on April 5 and in camp training.DAVID ADALEYEThe 6ft 4in Londoner was one of the most in-demand sparring partner for the top stars – including Tyson Fury.And Fury once dubbed Adeleye the ‘future’ of the heavyweight division.Adeleye went 12 fights unbeaten before losing to Fabio Wardley in October 2023 – but he bounced back with a vicious KO of Solomon Dacres in December.He is also in training – for April 5 – to fight Jamie TKV.MOURAD ALIEVThe Frenchman is the outsider with a 13-0 record – with all but three coming by KO.As an amateur, he boxed in the Europeans and won silver before turning pro in 2021.His last fight was in December.Lawrence Okolie could replace DuboisCredit: PADavid Adeleye has also been touted to step upCredit: PAFrance’s Mourad Aliev is another optionCredit: AFPDubois vs Parker: Ring walk, TV channel and full card – everything you need to know for the massive heavyweight title fightCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But IF Daniel cannot fight, then it will be rearranged very quickly.”Should Dubois be ruled out, that would mean no world title would be on the line for Parker who is attempting to become a two-time champion.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 WilliamsThe New Zealander won the WBO belt almost a decade ago before losing it to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.Dubois showed no signs of illness during his media duties in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, and even told the press that he is “ready to go”.On Wednesday, 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.”SunSport understands that the earliest whispers of a Dubois problem arose on Thursday morning when a head cold was hinted at.The stacked card in Saudi Arabia has already seen one pull-out.Shakur Stevenson’s opponent Floyd Schofield Jr backed out of his bout earlier in the week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 22-year-old failed to turn up to grand arrivals and has since officially withdrawn from the fight after being hospitalised with illness.England’s part-time electrician Josh Padley has since flown in and will attempt a fairytale story as a huge underdog. More

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      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker OFF just days before fight as Brit is forced to pull out and new opponent is announced

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      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. More