By Joshua Jones

New Zealand heavyweight star Parker pulled out of the October 26 fight late last night.

Promoter Eddie Hearn cited an “illness” when he tweeted the news and it emerged today that the mystery was caused by a spider bite.

There are just three-and-a-half weeks to go until fight night at The O2 Arena in London.

Miller was supposed to fight Anthony Joshua in June but failed a drugs test in the build-up.

His last bout was on November 17 last year as he beat Romanian Bogdan Dinu.

Chisora and Parker were scheduled to be the chief support for the super-lightweight unification battle and World Boxing Super Series final between Scotland star Josh Taylor and American ace Regis Prograis.

But the 27-year-old Kiwi has been KO’ed by a mystery illness that his manager is blaming on an unnamed spider.

David Higgins said: “The theory is that it was a spider bite.

“Boxing is a bizarre world but I know for a fact that Joseph is not well. He has been ordered to rest for three weeks so he can’t make October 26, unfortunately.

“Joe is keen to get back in as soon as possible. Hopefully we will have some good news soon.”

No-nonsense Chisora was back in the gym Wednesday morning, despite hearing the news, as he waits on Eddie Hearn to find him another target.

Manager David Haye has NOT taken up training duties, since the separation from Coldwell, with Chisora happy working with Hayemaker’s team of coaches and take on all comers in sparring.

A statement from Team Parker said they were eager to reschedule the fight against Chisora as soon as he’s cleared to return.

Stay tuned as Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted out a picture of 48 year old Heavyweight Prize fighter Shannon Briggs earlier today.

Article courtesy of The Sun