Daniel Dubois was expected to make a massive statement - and possibly pocket up to £8 million - in his first IBF heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker on Saturday. Instead, the 27-year-old Brit has withdrawn, citing illness after doctors in Riyadh deemed him unfit to fight just two days before the event. It’s a huge blow not only for fans who wanted to see Dubois continue his momentum since dethroning Anthony Joshua, but also for Dubois’ bank account and potential future matchups.
Some insiders say Dubois poured over eight weeks of intense training into his camp. That includes a full team of coaches, nutritionists, and a selection of sparring partners, costs that can easily balloon past £250,000. There’s also potential sponsorship fallout, as brands often tie performance bonuses and media appearances to fight night. CasinoHawks estimates Dubois could lose a combined £8 million to £9.5 million when factoring in his guaranteed purse.
Joseph Parker, meanwhile, loses the shot at becoming a two-time world champion. He’ll go on to face Martin Bakole, who answered the call from his homeland in the Congo with just 48 hours’ notice. Though Parker’s team might be relieved the fight is still happening, the switch from Dubois to a heavy-handed, 300-plus-pound Bakole drastically changes the matchup’s tone. Bakole will receive a hefty late-replacement fee, softening the risk of flying in at the eleventh hour.
For Dubois, the decision to pull out was undoubtedly difficult - nobody wants to forfeit a life-changing payday. But between medical concerns and the knowledge that a subpar performance could do lasting damage to both his career and marketability, it may have been the only viable option.
Image Credit: DAZN