In a shocking turn of events that sent ripples across the boxing world, Daniel Dubois has reportedly pulled out of his highly anticipated fight with Oleksandr Usyk, just days before the bout. The news was first broken during a media appearance by Joseph Parker, who labeled the last-minute withdrawal as “meaningless” and “confusing,” adding fuel to a growing fire of speculation.

A Sudden Collapse of a Promising Clash

The heavyweight division had been eagerly awaiting the showdown between Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion, and Daniel Dubois, one of Britain’s top rising contenders. Scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the match was touted as a defining moment for Dubois, who could have cemented his place among boxing’s elite with an upset victory.

But now, the excitement has turned into confusion and controversy.

According to sources close to the camp, Dubois cited “undisclosed medical reasons” for his withdrawal. However, there’s been no official medical statement released, and neither the British Boxing Board of Control nor Dubois’ team has provided full clarity.

Joseph Parker’s Bold Reaction

Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker didn’t hold back his thoughts. In an interview shortly after the news broke, Parker said, “This is absolutely meaningless. If you’re going to step into the ring with someone like Usyk, you have to be ready for war. Pulling out at the last second? It doesn’t make sense.”

Parker, who has sparred with both men and knows the pressure of fighting at the top level, added, “Something doesn’t add up here. Either he wasn’t mentally prepared, or there’s something we’re not being told. But to call it off so close to fight night is a huge letdown for the fans, the promoters, and the sport itself.”

Conspiracy Theories and Fan Speculation

As expected, social media exploded with rumors and theories. Some fans speculate Dubois may have suffered an injury during training that his team tried to manage quietly. Others believe it could be a weight-cutting issue, anxiety, or even pressure from sponsors or personal circumstances.

A more controversial theory suggests Dubois’ camp may have lost faith in his ability to defeat Usyk after seeing his sparring performance or experiencing internal discord. These claims remain unconfirmed, but in the absence of a clear explanation, speculation runs wild.

Impact on Usyk and the Heavyweight Landscape

Oleksandr Usyk, known for his discipline and professionalism, has yet to make a detailed public comment. However, his team released a short statement: “Usyk was ready. He trained hard. He wanted to give the fans a show. This cancellation is beyond disappointing.”

Usyk was reportedly preparing this fight as a tune-up before a possible mega-fight with Tyson Fury or a unification bout. The cancellation may now delay or even jeopardize those plans, depending on how long it takes to find a suitable replacement.

What’s Next for Dubois?

For Daniel Dubois, this is a significant setback—not just in terms of career momentum, but in credibility. Having already suffered a controversial defeat to Joe Joyce and a shaky win against Kevin Lerena, his reputation was riding on this opportunity. Backing out now, without a strong justification, may cause lasting damage.

Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, is expected to hold a press conference in the coming days. Until then, silence from his camp only raises more questions.

Conclusion: A Loss for Boxing

Regardless of the reasons, Dubois’ sudden withdrawal has dealt a heavy blow to the sport. Big fights like Usyk vs. Dubois don’t come around often, and fans feel shortchanged. Unless a transparent explanation surfaces soon, Dubois may find it difficult to regain the trust of fans, media, and future opponents.

As Joseph Parker concluded in his interview, “When you say you’re going to fight, you fight. It’s not just about the belt—it’s about honor. Right now, there’s a big question mark over Dubois’ honor.”

Whether this is a temporary stumble or a career-defining failure remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the mystery behind this last-minute pull-out will be discussed in boxing circles for a long time to come.