Joseph Parker came to Saudi Arabia to try to win the IBF heavyweight title from Daniel Dubois. Instead, Parker has turned his attention to Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole following Dubois facing a medical issue ahead of Saturday’s scheduled bout.

Parker won the WBO world title in 2016, lost it, lost his way, but has now been in a long, long period of restoration and glittering success. Dubois was unbeaten and then suffered crushing defeats in two fights before a three-fight sequence transformed his career.

Daniel Dubois had been scheduled to defend his IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker ahead of Artur Beterbievs light-heavyweight rematch against Dmitry Bivol in a Riyadh Season event live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday night;