Daniel Dubois Questions Anthony Joshua’s Readiness for Rematch, Shifts Focus to Joseph Parker

Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight world champion, expressed his belief that Anthony Joshua “wasn’t ready” to face him on 22 February next year, despite extensive discussions regarding their potential rematch. Dubois had previously defeated Joshua in five rounds during their heavyweight world title bout in September. Dubois, 27, was anticipated to fight Joshua again following his victory in September; however, he is now scheduled to compete against top contender Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia. Joshua’s team has stated that the former unified world champion is dealing with an injury, and Dubois noted that Parker, 32, presents a “different” challenge compared to his domestic rival. “I don’t think Joshua was ready for it. Where is AJ? I can’t find him. I’ve been looking for AJ but I can’t find him. On to the next one now,” Dubois informed BBC Sport. Regarding his upcoming opponent, Dubois stated: “Parker’s been on a good run, he’s experienced and a veteran.” He added: “I just have to be faster and better than him in every department. I think I’ll do a job on him but it will be a good fight.” Dubois made these remarks from his hotel in Riyadh, having arrived in the city for Oleksandr Usyk’s news conference with Tyson Fury on Thursday. The world champion is scheduled to be ringside to observe WBC, WBO, and WBA (Super) champion Usyk defend his title against Fury on Saturday. Dubois encountered his next opponent, Parker, at the hotel, where he embraced the New Zealander before exchanging a fist bump. Despite his impending title defense, Dubois expressed eagerness to fight the winner of the Usyk-Fury bout, stating he would compete against either, but would favor facing Usyk, to whom he lost in 2023. Dubois, who was stopped in the ninth round of their previous encounter, had floored Usyk in the fifth round of their unification contest, but the blow was ruled illegal. “I’d be happy [to fight Fury] but I’d love to fight Usyk after what happened in Poland and the history behind it. I’d love to get that back and do a rematch,” Dubois stated. He further commented: “I don’t think he would say no to business. Money talks in boxing and it would be a huge fight to get that back, to right that wrong.” Dubois added: “I’m the world champion and he’s got the other belts to make it [an] undisputed [fight].” Usyk has hinted at a potential return to cruiserweight if he defeats Fury a second time, though Dubois believes this is improbable. Having previously fought Usyk, Dubois remarked that Fury would need to “jump” the Ukrainian to secure a victory, but he declined to choose a winner when prompted. “They are both top guys. It was a good back and forth last time, Fury showed his chin,” Dubois commented. He concluded: “I’m sitting on the fence. Either man.”