Joseph Parker questions why Daniel Dubois pulled out of their fight
Joseph Parker reflects on Daniel Dubois pulling out of their world title clash
Joseph Parker says that can't help but feel the timing of his fight with Daniel Dubois falling through was a little suspicious.
The New Zealander recalled what happened on fight week when IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois suddenly pulled out of their fight with just a few days to go, "I was left in the dark. I guess you can't really [doubt him]. I mean, you just got to take his word for it, you know.
"He wasn't feeling the best and he pulled out of the fight. It just doesn't make sense, though, that Usyk was calling him out all week and then he pulled out of the fight. And then now, they've made this big fight.
"If a man says he's sick, he's sick. I've just got to take him for his word."
Martin Bakole was flown in instead, and Parker made short work of the out of shape heavyweight, stopping him within two rounds.
The 33-year-old hasn't fought since that 36th professional career win in February, choosing to wait for the outcome of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois on July 19. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed his heavyweight charge is planning on fighting in September.
