Daniel Dubois is a serious doubt for his IBF world heavyweight title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday after falling ill.
The British boxer is being evaluated by a doctor according to a report in the Ring magazine, with a replacement being considered if Dubois is unable to compete. The 27-year-old will miss Thursday night’s pre-fight press conference.
The bout is scheduled to be held in Riyadh on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev’s rematch against Dmitry Bivol for the unified light-heavyweight world title. The Ring is owned by Turki Alalshikh, the chair of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
The contest is scheduled to be Dubois’ second defence of his IBF crown after he stopped Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium last year. Dubois has won his 22 professional fights, suffering two defeats along the way. He won the “interim” IBF title against Filip Hrgovic and was promoted to world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
New Zealand’s Parker could face a late stand-in if Dubois is forced to pull out, though the full IBF title would not be on the line. Options reportedly being considered by the promoter, Frank Warren, include the British heavyweights Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye, as well as France’s unbeaten Mourad Aliev.
Quick Guide
Claressa Shields suspended in Michigan after marijuana test
Show
The American boxer Claressa Shields, the undisputed world champion in three weight classes, has been suspended and is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana following her victory over Danielle Perkins in Michigan.
The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended the 29-year-old boxer from competing in the state after an oral fluid sample taken after the heavyweight fight on 2 February showed the presence of marijuana, which is banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan commission said on Thursday.
The sanctioning body the WBO, which does not have the authority to suspend boxers, has requested a “show notice” from Shields to provide an explanation. The Michigan commission is also conducting its own investigation to determine if disciplinary action is necessary.
Shields is the only boxer to hold every major world title – WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO – in three weight classes and is a two-time Olympic gold medallist. Reuters
Parker has a record of 35 wins and three defeats. The 33-year-old held the WBO heavyweight title between 2015 and 2017.
Also on the card, Britain’s undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz challenges Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic for the WBC middleweight title.
Leave a Reply