Mark Lyson, a judge and referee for many high-profile bouts, was soaking in the atmosphere before he began his official capacities on fight night. He was another face left stunned by the potential collapse of what was certain to be a heavyweight blockbuster.

Daniel Dubois was scheduled to defend his IBF heavyweight title against the New Zealander on the stacked card in Riyadh, headlined by the undisputed light-heavyweight title rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Daniel Dubois will not fight Joseph Parker as originally scheduled in Riyadh tonight as Martin Bakole steps up instead.