Daniel Dubois has become a big name in heavyweight boxing. He's getting ready to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
Dubois, a 27-year-old British fighter, has had quite a journey to get here. He started his career with a string of quick knockouts that got everyone talking. But then he hit a bump in the road.
In a fight against Joe Joyce, nicknamed 'The Juggernaut', Dubois took a knee and got counted out. He'd broken his orbital bone, and a lot of people started questioning his heart and desire.
But Dubois didn't let that stop him. He came back strong, winning a tough fight against Jarell Miller by knockout. Then in June 2024, he knocked out Fillip Hrgovic and got elevated to IBF champion.
Dubois really made people sit up and take notice when he stopped Anthony Joshua inside five rounds last September. That win let him keep his IBF belt and set up this weekend's fight with Parker.
While Dubois is on top now, there's another heavyweight who says he's got his number. Martin Bakole calls himself the 'Monster' of the division, and he's got some big claims about sparring with Dubois.
"I broke his nose twice and stopped him. That's no lie, he will never come and say I am lying... I'm disappointed [Joshua] has been knocked out by someone I knocked out twice in the gym."
Bakole just knocked out Jared Anderson, an American fighter who had a lot of hype behind him. Now he's looking for a shot at a world title.
Bakole's next fight is a final eliminator for the IBF title against Efe Agagbe. If he wins, he could end up facing Dubois later this year.
It looks like Dubois has gone from being the young knockout artist to the man with a target on his back. His fight this weekend against Parker will show us if he can handle the pressure of being on top.
