IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is brimming with self-belief ahead of his high-stakes title defense against former WBO titleholder Joseph Parker this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 25-year-old power puncher said his confidence is “flying” as he looks to solidify his place at the top of the heavyweight hierarchy.
Dubois Riding High After Joshua KO
Dubois has every reason to fancy his chances against the 31-year-old Parker. In his last outing, the Londoner scored a sensational 2nd round knockout over heavyweight star Anthony Joshua to capture the IBF belt. That eye-catching victory served notice of Dubois’ fearsome punching power and rapidly improving skills.
At Tuesday’s grand arrival ceremony in the Saudi capital, a relaxed Parker shadowboxed his way to the stage, looking fully at ease in his bid to regain a portion of the heavyweight crown. Dubois, in contrast, said little but radiated an aura of serene intensity. When asked to assess his self-belief, he replied:
I’m flying, I feel really confident. The talking’s done, let’s go to work.
– Daniel Dubois
Redemption Road
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Dubois, who only two years ago suffered a shocking 10th round TKO defeat to domestic rival Joe Joyce. After rebuilding with four straight wins, Dubois has seized his moment in emphatic style. He credits his tight-knit team for keeping him focused and driven.
Just the support behind me, my team, my dad, Frank Warren. [Them] just supporting me and having an ambition and goals. We haven’t stopped, we haven’t given up and we’re here now.
– Daniel Dubois on his resurgence
Parker Aims to Roll Back the Years
For Joseph Parker, this unexpected title shot represents a golden opportunity to re-establish himself as an elite heavyweight. The New Zealander held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018 before losing it to Anthony Joshua. Subsequent defeats to Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce appeared to signal his decline.
But the proud Kiwi has shown heart and durability to keep himself in the mix. Solid wins over Junior Fa and Derek Chisora have kept him in the heavyweight conversation. Against Dubois, Parker will rely on his edge in experience and boxing skills to neutralize the champion’s destructive power.
Usyk Undisputed Showdown Looms
The stakes couldn’t be higher for this intriguing heavyweight duel. For Dubois, a successful title defense would further burnish his credentials for a unification battle with lineal champion Oleksandr Usyk. The undefeated Ukrainian maestro holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts and is widely regarded as the division’s best.
Dubois has made no secret of his desire to face Usyk next and determine an undisputed champion. However, he insists he won’t overlook the clear and present danger that Parker presents. He vows to be ready for battle on Saturday night.
Just war. I’m ready to fight. Whatever happens i’m ready to go through him. I’ll pit him to sleep and i’ll go for the next one. I’m hungry.
– Daniel Dubois on facing Joseph Parker
Collision Course
The bookmakers have installed Dubois as a strong favorite, but heavyweight boxing is littered with the ghosts of fallen frontrunners. The well-seasoned Parker has seen it all before and will be determined not to let his dreams be crushed by a young banger.
One thing is for certain. With Dubois’ devastating power and Parker’s granite chin, fight fans can expect a dramatic heavyweight collision. Tune in on Saturday to see who takes a giant leap forward and who’s left to rebuild once more.
