Sport
Daniel Dubois Pulls Out of Title Fight Against Joseph Parker Due to Illness
Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his IBF heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker due to illness. The bout was scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 22, 2025, as part of a high-profile boxing event.
Dubois’s father, Stanley, provided an update on his son’s health, stating that Daniel experienced swollen glands, fever, and fatigue during fight week. Despite Dubois feeling well enough to compete, medical professionals advised against it, leading to his withdrawal from the match.
Stanley expressed the team’s disappointment but mentioned that Daniel is on the mend and will return to training after a period of rest. In response to Dubois’s sudden withdrawal, Martin Bakole was secured as a last-minute replacement to face Joseph Parker.
Bakole, who was in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the time, accepted the offer immediately and traveled to Riyadh on short notice. Promoter Ben Shalom described the process of finalizing the agreement with Bakole’s team as “the most ridiculous deal ever made”.
The fight between Parker and Bakole took place as scheduled, with Parker delivering a decisive performance. He secured a knockout victory over Bakole in the second round, reaffirming his position in the heavyweight division.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
