Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is making a bold claim for a shot at the IBF heavyweight title, currently held by Daniel Dubois. After a strong streak of victories, Parker is eager to return to the ring with a chance to reclaim a world title. The New Zealand boxer, who has been on a remarkable run since his loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022, believes he is well-positioned to challenge the 22-2 (21 KOs) Dubois for the championship in February 2024.
Parker, whose professional record stands at 35-3 (23 KOs), has secured five consecutive wins, including notable victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. He recently spoke with The New Zealand Herald, emphasizing his desire for a shot at becoming a two-time champion. Parker expressed confidence in his qualifications for this opportunity: “I feel like I’ve earned it,” he said.
With Dubois set to fight in February, his promoter, Frank Warren, has confirmed that it won’t be a rematch with Anthony Joshua. As such, a worthy contender is needed, and Parker is eager to step up. He continued, “Dubois is in form as well. He’s more confident than we’ve ever seen. He’s coming out of his shell. If Dubois wants a dance partner – turn on the lights and I could be that dance partner for him.” The timing and context are in Parker’s favor, as he sees himself as a top contender ready for the challenge. “I’m here to look for my next victim,” Parker added, reinforcing his hunger for a title shot.
Potential fireworks: Parker vs. Dubois
Should the fight come to fruition, it promises to be an exciting matchup, with many fans and experts predicting a close, competitive affair. At 32, Parker is in his prime and has no issues with traveling to the UK to take on Dubois on home turf. The possibility of this fight has generated buzz within the boxing community, with former world champion and pundit Tony Bellew comparing it to the legendary clash between Ike Ibeabuchi and David Tua in 1997. Bellew remarked, “They would throw that many punches between the two of them. It would be an absolute slugfest.” The comparison to the brutal Ibeabuchi–Tua fight, which went down in boxing history as one of the most intense bouts ever, has added even more intrigue to the potential showdown.
If Parker and Dubois do meet in the ring, fans can expect a high-paced, action-packed contest, with both men known for their power and aggressive styles. As for the specifics of the fight, Frank Warren has indicated that the challenger for Dubois will be named soon, with Parker firmly in the running. If the stars align, the boxing world could witness a thrilling clash between two of the most promising heavyweights in the division.
