Daniel Dubois, the 27-year-old IBF world champion, is looking for his next opponent. The heavyweight boxer plans to defend his title in February next year.
Dubois has had an impressive run lately. In December last year, he stopped Jarrell Miller in the final seconds of their fight. He followed that up by overcoming early pressure to beat Filip Hrgovic. But his biggest win came in September when he knocked out Anthony Joshua in stunning fashion.
Now, Dubois and his team are considering options for his February fight. A rematch with Joshua seems unlikely due to niggling injuries. Promoter Frank Warren has ruled out Fabio Wardley as a potential opponent.
Joseph Parker has emerged as the frontrunner. The former WBO world champion is on a fine run, having beaten both Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang recently. Parker hasn't fought since March and is eager to face Dubois.
In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Parker said:
"I have been very vocal about wanting to fight Daniel Dubois. He's done exceptionally well with Don Charles and his dad and his team. He looked great with the Miller fight, the Hrgovic fight. He looked good against Joshua getting that devastating knockout. But there's a difference with me and all those other fighters, I'm fresh, I'm hungry, I've been waiting since March for a big fight, let's get it on and go now."
Parker added that discussions are ongoing:
"They're asking around different fighters and opponents and see which one fits. There are a few hurdles you have to jump through to make this fight happen but I feel it can happen and I want it to happen."
Dubois' team, including trainer Don Charles and his father, will make the final decision. We'll likely hear news about the February bout soon.
