Actions speak louder than words as Daniel Dubois targets scaling world heavyweight summit
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Daniel Dubois is a fighter who does his talking in the ring. And in recent outings the message has been loud and clear – he is coming for top spot in the heavyweight division.
The South Londoner heads into tomorrow’s defence of his IBF world title with his stock at an all-time high.
Dubois has chained together three impressive victories since defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023 – none more so than his brutal demolition of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
The 27-year-old did not just beat Joshua – he obliterated him. It’s no shock that the Olympic gold medallist was in no hurry to invoke a rematch clause.
Now Dubois (22-2, 21KOs) is firmly cast in the role of favourite to make a second successful defence of his title against Joseph Parker
But Samoan-Kiwi Parker, 33, is enjoying a second wind in his career.
He held the WBO world title from 2016 until 2018, losing it on a unanimous decision to Joshua and followed up with another points reverse to Brixton’s Dillian Whyte.
Parker looked finished after being knocked out in the 11th round by Joe Joyce in September 2022 but is enjoying a new lease of life under the tutelage of Irish trainer Andy Lee, earning points wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his last two bouts, the latter landing him the WBO interim world title.
What Dubois wants is a rematch with Usyk.
The brilliant Ukrainian, who has been undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, recently revealed he only expects to have two more fights before hanging up his gloves.
Dubois is in a great place at the moment but one huge punch can scramble plans, every bit as much as it does the senses, in boxing.
“It was a special moment against AJ but I feel I have got to be even better this time,” said Dubois.
“I want to display all the skills I have picked up along the way from my amateur career to my professional career.
“I’m still hungry for more success, more victories and more belts. I have still got the same mentality – I’m the same old dog. I want to make it a dogfight out there.
“They all say when you win the world title you improve and that is what is happening with me.
“I’m ready to show what I can do again and conquer whoever they put in front of me.
“I’m just getting there (to the top of the sport) while he (Parker) has already been there. Now he is trying to come back again, so I can’t let him do that. I’ve got to stop him and show I’m the real champion.”
Asked if he had listened to the noise about another meeting with Usyk, the Deptford-raised fighter responded: “Not at all. I’ve not lost one bit of focus on Parker.”
Pushing the Joyce loss to one side, Parker has never failed not to go the distance with any of the top men in the division.
Dubois said: “But they were past their best. I’m just coming into my prime. This is just the start for me.
“This is the entertainment business, so let’s entertain the people.
“I’ve got to produce a clinical performance. I feel I can outbox him. I’ve got better tools than him.
“It is high stakes. We’ve worked our way up to this position we’re in now. I’m starting in the big leagues and I’m really excited.
“I’m not going to let this chance go – I’ve got my two fists and I’m not going to let anyone take it from me.”
Parker’s durability is set to be repeatedly tested by Dubois, one of the biggest punchers in the sport.
The challenger said: “I know that Daniel Dubois is high on confidence and he should be off the back of the performances he has put in.
“But I’ve been working very hard, quietly, in New Zealand and then I went to Ireland and trained.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and this chance. It is my time to go out there and show everyone what I’ve been doing while I’ve been waiting.
“It’s my chance to be a two-time world champion and I’ll take it.
“I’m going to bring speed, power, accuracy and movement. I’m very confident what I can do in the ring.”
It would help Parker if Dubois has taken him lightly.
Dubois entered the ring after Usyk’s December win over Tyson Fury to demand another encounter.
“All these things happen in boxing,” said Parker, when asked if his opponent is distracted.
“I think his team, and himself, are smart enough to know it is a challenging fight they have in front of them.
“I’m sure they are looking at other fights in the future, but they have to get through this one first. I have trained the house down.
“If he is distracted, so be it and it will show on fight night. He has shown great toughness and he does the basics very well. But I believe in my boxing IQ and toughness as well – I’ve got a good chin.
“Dubois throws way more punches than Zhang and Wilder. He comes forward with a lot more pressure, throwing punches in bunches. We have prepared for whatever version of what he is going to bring.”
PICTURES: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM