Daniel Dubois has finally broken his silence following the abrupt cancellation of his highly anticipated heavyweight title fight against Joseph Parker, expressing a strong desire to reschedule the bout. The British heavyweight star was forced to withdraw from the clash just two days before their scheduled meeting in Saudi Arabia due to illness.
Originally set to defend his IBF world title for the second time after a stunning knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, Dubois was left frustrated by the turn of events. He was replaced by Martin Bakole, who stepped in to fight Parker in a match that ultimately did not feature a world title on the line.
In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Dubois shared his disappointment, saying, "Hi guys, I'm back. Obviously, you know what happened, I got ill in Riyadh. I wanted to fight, but I took the doctors', my dad's, and my team's advice and pulled out of the fight. I'm gutted about it, but s*** happens in life. But I'm back now and I can't wait to give you guys some fight news soon. I want them all. Usyk, Parker, AJ, and whoever else wants it."
Dubois' trainer, Don Charles, had previously suggested that the priority might shift towards a potential undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, but Dubois made it clear that a rematch with Parker is at the top of his list. He emphasized, "I want to run it back [with Parker]. If they can get that fight on, that’s the fight I want next. It’s unfinished business and it’s left a bitter taste in my mouth."
He expressed hope that the fight could take place in England, ideally at Wembley, stating, "Hopefully Turki might hear this and make it happen in England at Wembley or something. I want to fight Parker, that’s unfinished business for me." Dubois is not just fixated on Parker; he also mentioned his eagerness to face Usyk or Anthony Joshua next, saying, "If not Parker, Usyk or AJ, these are the guys I want next. I see it as unfinished business."
Looking ahead, Dubois confirmed that he is scheduled to return to the ring in July 2025, although the exact opponent remains uncertain. He remarked, "All I know is I’ll be fighting in July. That’s what I’ve heard. There’s a date in July for me. Which one of them they’ll get for me I don’t know. I don’t really care. Most read in Boxing. I just want to put someone to sleep again and get back out there and show the people that I’m the man and I’m ready to go and ready for everyone."
Dubois, who has been in sensational form, previously faced Usyk in 2023, where he was defeated after a controversial low blow. His knockout victory over Joshua has set the stage for a promising future, and he is clearly eager to capitalize on that momentum.
In the aftermath of Dubois’ withdrawal, Parker, who was aiming to become a two-time champion, showed sportsmanship, stating that Dubois made the right decision to pull out of the fight due to health concerns. He commented, "He did a sensible thing. If you're sick, don't fight. I didn't do the most sensible thing. I was sick. The me now, if I'm sick I won't fight. He [Dubois] did the right thing."
Parker's acknowledgment of Dubois' decision reflects the camaraderie and respect that exists within the sport, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over competition. Parker added, "There's no point going out there and fighting your heart out and you're not in the right physical shape. Go out there and fight when you're at peak, top shape, top condition, and put on your best performance. Put your best foot forward and the one that everyone will remember."
As the boxing world eagerly awaits Dubois' next move, fans are left wondering whether he will indeed face Parker in a rematch, or if he will shift his focus to Usyk or Joshua. The heavyweight division remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever, with Dubois ready to reclaim his spot at the top.
With a potential matchup against Derek Chisora looming, Dubois’ path forward appears to be filled with exciting possibilities. The IBF is expected to order Dubois to face Chisora next month, which could serve as a crucial step towards a unification bout with Usyk. However, the prospect of a rematch with Parker continues to loom large in Dubois' mind, as he seeks to settle what he views as unfinished business.
As the boxing community keeps a close eye on Dubois' recovery and future plans, one thing is certain: the heavyweight star is hungry for action and determined to make a statement in the ring. Whether it’s Parker, Usyk, or another contender, Dubois is poised to return with a vengeance, ready to prove he belongs at the pinnacle of the sport.
