Dereck Chisora vs Joseph Parker OFF as Eddie Hearn reveals ex-heavyweight champ has pulled out through illness

JOSEPH PARKER is OUT of the heavyweight bout with Dereck Chisora due to illness.

The pair were meant to step into the ring at The O2 Arena in London on October.

But Parker's promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed his man would not be able to fight later this month.

And now the Matchroom chief is desperately trying to find someone to take on Del Boy.

Hearn tweeted: "Due to illness, @joeboxerparker is out of the @DerekWarChisora fight on October 26.

"We are working on a suitable replacement and will make a further announcement this week."

The post received a heavy backlash with fans questioning Parker's early withdrawal three-and-a-half weeks before fight night.

Furious Chisora sparked controversy in the press conference for the fight, demanding more money unless his fight with Parker was made the main event - and he even threatened to pull out.

The heavyweight clash was originally billed to be the last of the night but then super-lightweight stars Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis were given the top show for the World Boxing Super Series final and the Muhammad Ali trophy.

In an x-rated rant, War raged: “Who is the main event on this show, because if it is not me then you can give me more money or pull me off the f***ing show?

“I am not joking. You are not going to get me to sell out this even and be f***ing chief support.

“No one cares about the little guys, people only care about heavyweights.

“You cannot expect me to sell out the O2 for these guys, with my London fans. F*** that.”

October 26's fight will be Tartan Tornado Taylor's boxing debut in London as he puts his IBF world title on the line against the visiting American.

But before Taylor could explain his joy at clashing with the WBA king in a unification showdown, veteran Chisora told him to head back north of the border.

I don’t give a s***. Am I taking the main stage or not? If I am not then I want more money.

Dereck Chisora

Chisora - now managed by ex-rival David Haye - said: “Tell him to f*** off and box in Glasgow then and let him do his thing.

“To try to give me chief-support in my home town is b*******.

“I don’t give a s***. Am I taking the main stage or not? If I am not then I want more money.

“No one is answering me but I am going to go f***ing ballistic now. I want more money, I am not selling out the O2 for these guys to come and take my fans.

“I am tired of selling your shows and not getting any f***ing money. Get me a share of that money in my pocket.

“I am sorry for doing this right now but I feel like you are f***ing me with no Vaseline. That is it.

“No one gives a f*** about the Ali trophy. We haven’t read about the Ali trophy for six months. The heavyweight division is back. Just give me more money got I am out.”

But unfortunately for Chisora, it looks as though there will be no doubt which fight will be the main event - unless Hearn can find a high-profile replacement quickly.

Meanwhile box office figures are expected to bomb significantly with the majority of fans wanting to pay to watch fans’ favourite Chisora and former WBO world champion Parker.