According to Dubois’ promoter, Queensberry’s Frank Warren, the heavyweight was devastated to be pulled from the Parker bout. It would have been Dubois’ second defence and he was due to earn a massive purse. He keeps his belt of course.

But while one door closes, another might have opened for Dubois.

We had thought the 28-year-old, should he have beaten Parker, would push for a rematch with Usyk. Considering the boxing schedule and recovery time, it could have been quite the wait but now the Briton’s next fight could be the undisputed meeting with the 38-year-old Usyk.

With no mandatory challenger currently listed for Dubois’ IBF title, he remains free to select his next opponent and Usyk has already said he wants to do it.

It would be heartbreak for Parker, 33, who has spent nearly seven years fighting his way back towards a world title fight.

Bakole, who is ranked number three with the IBF, was set to fight Efe Ajagba on 2 May but that fight is now in doubt after his second-round stoppage loss to Parker.