Daniel Dubois entered the ring to confront Oleksandr Usyk (Image: TNT Sports)
Daniel Dubois has dismissed claims he is underestimating Joseph Parker, despite his focus on a rematch with .
Dubois will be defending his heavyweight world title against Parker next month, following his impressive victory over at Wembley last September. However, the 27 year old is already seeking a rematch with Usyk, after a controversial defeat in their 2023 bout. Despite being convinced that he legitimately knocked Usyk down in the fifth round, the referee ruled it as a low blow.
Usyk then went on to defeat Dubois in the ninth round and later became the undisputed champion by beating last May. He followed this up with another win over Fury in their Christmas rematch, before being challenged by Dubois in the Riyadh ring. Although Dubois has agreed to fight New Zealand’s Parker, he denies overlooking the former champion. “It’s all about making noise,” he said when asked why he called out Usyk.
“This is showbusiness. That’s who I want next but first I’ve got to get through this guy. No way am I overlooking him. I am going to do a demolition job on him and I want Usyk next. “I’ve got my eyes on this fight; I’m ready for it and I’m on a roll so bring it on. “I’ll be too much for him. I’ll be too strong and too fast and everything he does I’ll do better. “I’m confident. I don’t do too much talking, let the fans tune in and it will be a great fight.
“He’s always had a nice guy act but when the bell goes we’re going to try and take each other’s head off. “I’ll teach him a few things in there and teach him a lesson. ” These were the words of Parker, 33, who was world champion for 15 months until Joshua dethroned him in 2018. Despite losses to Brits Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, he has won his last five fights and was given another title shot when Joshua declined the opportunity to rematch Dubois.
As he prepares to face the younger man on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev’s light-heavyweight sequel with Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia on February 22, Parker insists he is ready to reclaim his title. “I’m very excited to be fighting for the championship of the world for the second time,” he said. “Two-time world champion sounds beautiful.
“When he confronted Usyk I thought, ‘You might be looking too far ahead, you’ve got a fight coming up’. “I like that he’s full of confidence, it’s sky-high at the moment but it’s all going to stop in February. “I’ve been boxing for a while but I feel I’ve only just begun. I’ve got everything now and you’re in for a treat.”