Daniel Dubois, the British heavyweight boxer, made headlines recently when he had to withdraw from his title defence fight against Joseph Parker due to a viral infection. The fight was scheduled to take place in Riyadh, but ‘Triple D’ fell ill just days before the event, forcing him to pull out from the bout with the New Zealander.
Despite attending the grand arrivals on Tuesday and the public workout on Wednesday night, Dubois’ father, Stan Dubois, revealed the reason behind his son’s withdrawal in an interview with Ring Magazine. He explained that Daniel had a virus, swollen glands, and an ear infection, which made it impossible for him to fight. Stan expressed frustration over missing the opportunity to fight Parker but emphasized the importance of prioritizing Daniel’s health.
Following Dubois’ withdrawal, Martin Bakole stepped in to face Parker, resulting in a stunning second-round knockout victory for the New Zealander. Parker immediately called out Oleksandr Usyk for a future fight, but Stan Dubois disclosed that Daniel is now focusing on a potential match with Usyk. Stan mentioned that despite the setback, Daniel is determined to get back in the ring and prove himself against top contenders.
The Mirror reported that Dubois could potentially lose an estimated £8 million due to pulling out of the fight with Parker. This figure includes forfeited fight earnings, training camp expenses, and potential sponsorship deals. Dubois was expected to earn £2.5 million from the fight itself, along with an additional £4 million from PPV shares. The cost of an elite-level training camp for a boxer can range from £200,000 to £400,000, considering various factors such as coaches, sparring partners, travel, and accommodation.
In addition to financial losses, Dubois may also face challenges in sponsorships and future negotiations. Brands like Adidas, Boxraw, 32Red, and Footasylum, which might have had agreements in place for exposure during fight week and television appearances, could reevaluate their partnerships with Dubois. CasinoHawks suggested that future fight negotiations might be impacted if promoters and sponsors view him as a higher-risk investment post his recent withdrawal.
Despite the setbacks, Dubois remains focused on his boxing career and is eager to make a comeback. With his sights set on a potential match with Usyk, he is determined to bounce back from his health issues and resume his journey in the ring. While the missed opportunity with Parker was disappointing, Dubois and his team are looking ahead to future challenges and opportunities in the competitive world of heavyweight boxing.
In conclusion, Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal from the fight against Joseph Parker due to a viral infection was a significant setback for the British boxer. Stan Dubois, his father, explained the health issues that led to the decision to pull out of the bout, highlighting the importance of prioritizing Daniel’s well-being. The financial implications of the withdrawal, including potential losses in earnings and sponsorship deals, are substantial, and Dubois may need to navigate challenges in rebuilding his reputation and securing future opportunities in the boxing world.