If Daniel Dubois can beat Joseph Parker, he wants to knockout Oleksandr Usyk next
Daniel Dubois has confidently declared that he can defeat Oleksandr Usyk in a potential rematch, vowing to right the wrongs of their controversial 2023 fight. However, before Dubois can secure a second shot at the unified heavyweight champion, he must first defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. With Usyk’s camp predicting a Parker victory, Dubois faces a steep climb to keep his redemption hopes alive.
Dubois vs. Usyk: A Controversial First Fight
The first clash between Dubois and Usyk in 2023 was steeped in controversy. During the fight, Dubois appeared to drop Usyk with a fifth-round body shot, but the referee ruled it a low blow, granting Usyk extra time to recover. Usyk later secured a knockout victory, leaving Dubois bitter and determined to avenge the loss.
Speaking at the Ring Magazine Awards, Dubois emphasized that a rematch would deliver a much different result. “I wouldn’t let him off the hook next time,” he said. “He got away lucky last time. I need to right that wrong and get my revenge.” Despite Dubois’ confidence, Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, is skeptical, pointing out that Dubois must first overcome the challenge posed by Joseph Parker.
Joseph Parker: A Significant Hurdle
Before a rematch with Usyk can even be discussed, Dubois must defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker, a seasoned boxer with a history of delivering major upsets. Parker’s recent wins over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder have elevated his profile, making the February 22 bout in Riyadh a crucial test for Dubois.
Dubois, however, remains unfazed and focused on continuing the momentum from his historic victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in 2023. “I’m confident, I’m ready,” Dubois stated. “We’re on a roll, and I really want to keep this momentum going until we’re at the top.”
Still, Parker’s reputation as a resilient and strategic fighter cannot be ignored. Krassyuk has expressed confidence in Parker’s ability to dethrone Dubois, stating, “I think Parker is going to win. After that, we’ll see what’s next for Usyk.”
Usyk’s Future in the Heavyweight Division
At 37, Oleksandr Usyk has little left to prove. After dominating the heavyweight division and achieving back-to-back victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, Usyk now holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. His focus is currently on rest and recovery, with no concrete plans for his next bout.
A rematch with Dubois is unlikely unless Dubois can decisively defeat Parker. Even then, questions remain about whether Dubois truly has what it takes to challenge Usyk, whose technical skill, speed, and ring IQ have kept him at the top of the heavyweight ranks.
Redemption or rebuild?
The February 22 fight in Riyadh represents a defining moment for Daniel Dubois’ career. A win against Joseph Parker would preserve his dreams of a rematch with Usyk and allow him to seek redemption for the controversial 2023 fight. However, a loss could derail his momentum and shift the focus toward Parker as a new contender in the heavyweight division.
For now, Dubois must channel all his energy into overcoming Joseph Parker, as a loss would likely end any immediate hopes of facing Usyk again. As the heavyweight division evolves, the road to redemption remains challenging but not impossible for Dubois.
