Ill Dubois out of world heavyweight title fight - promoters

British fighter Daniel Dubois on Thursday withdrew from his scheduled IBF heavyweight showdown against New Zealand's Joseph Parker due to illness, promoters said.

The 27-year-old Dubois will be replaced by Congo's Martin Bakole who has been drafted in as a late replacement for the bout in Riyadh on Saturday.

It would have been Dubois' first defence of the world title he won in September last year by knocking out compatriot Anthony Joshua.

The London heavyweight was not able to attend the scheduled pre-fight press conference on Thursday, with his promoter Frank Warren confirming Dubois' health was being assessed.

Ben Shalom, Bakole's promoter, told Sky Sports: "The fight's done. He was in the Congo, he's on his way.

"If you're ever going to have a chance at beating Martin Bakole it's on two days' notice. But I still think he's the favourite in the fight.

"I think a 50 per cent Martin Bakole beats both heavyweights. Fair play to Joseph Parker as well for taking Martin Bakole. Let's go!"