02/20/2025
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
The IBF Heavyweight Championship bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker has been officially called off. Ariel Helwani of Uncrowned confirmed that Dubois fell ill ahead of the scheduled February 22 clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Ring previously reported that Dubois was feeling unwell and undergoing medical evaluation.
A replacement opponent for Parker is expected to be announced today, with former WBO Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie among the potential candidates. However, the ripple effect of this cancellation extends far beyond just the fight itself—it creates a tangled web of consequences, particularly regarding Parker’s status with the WBO.
Prior to the cancellation, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri had confirmed that Parker would be relieved of his Interim WBO Heavyweight Championship the moment he entered the ring for his fight against Dubois. As he explained on January 14:
“In accordance with WBO policy regarding the unification of interim titles, we have mutually agreed that Joseph Parker will enter the ring as champion, and he will be announced as such. However, upon the sound of the opening bell, the title will be declared vacant.”
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Olivieri also expressed gratitude for Parker’s contributions to the WBO and wished him well in his career. But now that Parker is no longer facing Dubois, that policy is suddenly up in the air.
In theory, Parker should now retain his Interim WBO Heavyweight Championship, provided he complies with the organization’s regulations. This means he must either:
Fight an opponent ranked within the WBO’s top 15 heavyweight contenders, or
Apply for (and be granted) an exception from the WBO.
As of now, the WBO’s top 15 heavyweights are:
Zhilei Zhang
Martin Bakole
Agit Kabayel
Justis Huni
Moses Itauma
Fabio Wardley
Lawrence Okolie
Anthony Joshua
Jared Anderson
Efe Ajagba
Otto Wallin
Nelson Hysa
Johnny Fisher
Dereck Chisora
Jermaine Franklin
If Parker faces one of these fighters or is granted an exception, he can maintain his status as Interim WBO Champion. However, if the WBO doesn’t find the replacement opponent suitable, they will not grant sanction to the bout, making his future—and that of the WBO title picture— become even murkier.
UPDATE: The Ring has announced that Parker will face Martin Bakole on Saturday, which would satisfy the WBO criteria for a suitable opponent.
Photo Credit: Joseph Parker
Should Parker retain the Interim WBO title and win on Saturday, the WBO would then be obligated to enforce a consolidation bout between Parker and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. This aligns with WBO policy, which states:
“The WBO only recognizes one world champion per each weight class.”
This could complicate Usyk’s future plans and force him to make a decision regarding the WBO title. Usyk would be forced to face Parker next—or risk being stripped if he does not comply.
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