Daniel Dubois will make the second defence of his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22 instead of Anthony Joshua.

The heavyweight clash in Saudi Arabia is the chief support to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch for the former’s undisputed light-heavyweight crown following their tight encounter in October.

Dubois will make the next defence of his IBF heavyweight belt in FebruaryCredit: Getty

HE Turki Alalshikh has confirmed the stacked card on X on Monday night.

Also on the bill is a British dust-up between Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight belt.

Unbeaten Buatsi is coming off the back of a points win over Willy Hutchsinon.

While Smith recently got back to winning ways against Carlos Galvan following his defeat to Beterbiev in January.

And rising British star Hamzah Sheeraz will finally get his long-awaited shot at middleweight gold when he faces WBC middleweight king Carlos Adames.

Sheeraz has won all 17 of his bouts – with 17 coming by way of KO – with his last 15 fights ending inside the distance.

Meanwhile Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against Floyd Schofield.

Elsewhere, Vergil Ortiz Jr and Israil Madrimov will meet inside the squared circle for the interim WBC super-welterweight strap.

In another cracker, Chinese knockout artist Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will fight for the interim WBC heavyweight title.

Kabayel is the highest-ranked heavyweight by the IBF and was slated to be Dubois’ next opponent for a time after he pulled out of a final eliminator with Martin Bakole.

Parker is coming off wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhang

Beterbiev and Bivol’s rematch tops the bill on February 22Credit: Top Rank

But it is Dubois’ clash with Parker that will leave fans buzzing, following the Londoner’s knockout win over Joshua in September.

The pair has been in talks over an immediate sequel, however, negotiations have since fallen by the wayside.

IBF president Daryl Peoples confirmed last month that Dubois ‘can make an optional defence of his world title against any ranked fighter before April 22.’

Parker has been actively calling for a bout to fight Dubois in his bid to become a two-time heavyweight champion having previously held the WBO strap.

Speaking to talkSPORT Fight Night in October, he said: “I have been very vocal about wanting to fight Daniel Dubois.

“I think he’s done exceptionally well, he done a great job against Anthony Joshua to get that devastating KO.

“He looked great versus Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua. But there’s a difference.

“I’m fresh, I’m hungry and ready to go. I’ve been waiting since March for a big fight, let’s get it on now.

“I feel like they have asked around different opponents to see which one fits, so there are a few hurdles to jump.

“But I feel like it can happen and I want it to happen, but hopefully everyone can come together and make it happen.”