Anthony Joshua withdrew from a potential rematch with Daniel Dubois (Image: Getty)
Daniel Dubois is set to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker, following Anthony Joshua’s decision not to pursue a rematch. The British boxer will go head-to-head with the New Zealander on February 22 in Saudi Arabia, as part of an impressive line-up.
Dubois, aged 27, triumphed over Joshua in September, cementing his status as the IBF champion after being promoted from interim title holder. This victory has left Joshua’s career hanging in the balance.
Although there were plans for an immediate rematch, Joshua’s team decided he would not be ready by February. Joshua now awaits the result of Tyson Fury’s rematch with WBO, WBC and WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 before deciding his next move.
If Fury suffers a second defeat by Usyk, Joshua could potentially face him. However, Dubois isn’t waiting around and will risk his title against former WBO champion Parker.
The Kiwi has seen a revival in the last two years, winning five consecutive matches since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce, including victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh.
Promoter Frank Warren expressed his excitement about the upcoming match, saying: “I love the Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker fight. Daniel’s come into his own now, he’s shown what he’s all about.
The perfect night of boxing coming February 22nd from
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry)
“He’s suddenly hit maturity, not just physically but mentally. And he’s in with a live opponent, someone who comes to fight and is on a bit of a roll, he’s resurrected his career. So I think that’s going to be great.”
Warren has hyped up an extraordinary fight card which in the main event sees Artur Beterbiev defending his undisputed light-heavyweight title in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, following their closely contested fight last October.
British contender Hamzah Sheeraz will attempt to seize his first world title by facing WBC middleweight champ Carlos Adames.
The card also promises a thrilling British light-heavyweight skirmish between Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith.
Moreover, Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his WBC lightweight championship against Floyd Schofield, coupled with Zhang meeting Agit Kabayel in a heavyweight clash, and Vergil Ortiz taking on Israil Madrimov at light-middleweight.
Warren said: “I mean, this card on February 22 is something special. When you look at it, every fight on there is a magnificent fight. I mean, I’ve never seen a card like it.
Dubois vs Parker. World Title Fight. Who’s ready? ?????????????????? | Feb 22 |
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry)
“It is so spectacular. From a British point of view, you’ve got Joshua Buatsi in there with Callum Smith. That’s a cracking little fight.”
“You go down the card, you look at Hamzah Sheeraz, he’s challenging Carlos Adames for the world title. Cracking fight, a really spectacular fight.
“Then you look at the American involvement. Shakur Stevenson’s on there against Floyd Schofield. Vergil Ortiz against Israil Madrimov, these are really good fights.
“And you add in Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel, what a cracking heavyweight fight that is. This is spectacular.”