Joseph Parker, the former heavyweight champion from New Zealand, will challenge Daniel Dubois for the world heavyweight title next month. The 32-year-old Parker looks to reclaim his spot at the top of the division against the 27-year-old champion Dubois.
Parker's career got a boost in 2021 when he started working with trainer Andy Lee. Since then, he's had mixed results. He beat Derek Chisora twice, first in a split decision after getting knocked down in the first round, then more convincingly in their rematch. He lost to Joe Joyce in a tough fight that ended in a stoppage. But Parker bounced back with five wins in a row, including big victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
Dubois has been on fire lately. His last three fights have all ended in stoppages. He beat Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and shocked everyone by stopping Anthony Joshua in the fifth round. Now, Dubois wants a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk to try to become the undisputed champion and get revenge for his 2023 loss.
Some people think Dubois might be looking past Parker to his next fight. But Derek Chisora, who's fought Parker twice, doesn't see it that way. He told Box Nation:
"I think Dubois wins cause I don't think Joseph Parker's got a strong enough chin. Daniel hits hard. Daniel hits hard. I see that fight, Daniel within five rounds. Five rounds, Daniel wins it."
Chisora knows a thing or two about heavyweight boxing. He's got his own fight coming up against Otto Wallin on February 8 in Manchester. It'll be his 49th pro fight, and he's promised to do 50 total before hanging up his gloves.
This heavyweight title fight between Parker and Dubois is shaping up to be a real test for both men. Parker wants to prove he's still a top contender, while Dubois aims to keep his momentum going. We'll have to wait until next month to see who comes out on top.
