The Loser Anthony Joshua Backs Joseph Parker to Defeat Daniel Dubois in High-Stakes Title Fight

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has publicly expressed his support for New Zealand’s Joseph Parker ahead of Parker’s highly anticipated IBF world title fight against Daniel Dubois on February 23 in Saudi Arabia. With both fighters vying to cement their legacies, the bout is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the heavyweight division.

Joshua’s Endorsement Fuels Parker’s Momentum

Anthony Joshua’s endorsement of Joseph Parker has added fuel to the excitement surrounding this matchup. Joshua, who previously defeated Daniel Dubois in a dramatic bout that earned Dubois The Ring Magazine’s “Knockout of the Year” award, believes Parker is well-positioned to reclaim his place as a world champion.

Parker’s career resurgence since losing his WBO world title to Joshua in 2018 has been remarkable. Victories over elite opponents like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang during Riyadh events last year have reinforced his status as a top contender. Prominent promoter Eddie Hearn echoed Joshua’s sentiment, saying, “Joseph Parker is in the form of his life. He’s worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity.”

The growing confidence in Parker, fueled by Joshua and other boxing insiders, underscores the belief that Parker can pull off yet another career-defining victory.

Dubois at Risk of Underestimating Parker?

Despite the stakes, many in the boxing world believe Daniel Dubois and his team may be overlooking the threat posed by Parker. In a post-match interview after Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Tyson Fury, Dubois unexpectedly shifted his focus to calling out Usyk rather than addressing his immediate opponent, Parker.

Andy Lee, Parker’s trainer and a nominee for Trainer of the Year, sees this as an advantage for Parker. “They’re making the same mistakes they always make,” Lee remarked. “When Parker fought Wilder, everyone was hyping Wilder versus AJ, and Parker flipped the script. He’s going to do it again.”

Dubois, however, denied the claims of complacency, stating, “First is Parker. All eyes are on him.” Whether Dubois’ words reflect genuine focus or serve as damage control remains a point of contention for boxing enthusiasts.

A Battle of Contrasting Styles

The fight is expected to showcase a stark contrast in styles. Daniel Dubois, known for his raw punching power, thrives on his ability to deliver knockouts, but his weaknesses lie in speed, reflexes, and footwork. These are areas where Joseph Parker excels, potentially giving New Zealander an edge in the ring.

Parker, who first became a world champion in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr., has been diligently training under the guidance of Andy Lee. He has focused on refining his strategy to counter Dubois’ power. Parker expressed confidence, saying, “We have a game plan, and when I step into the ring and execute it to the best of my ability, it’ll be a fantastic night for us.”

Meanwhile, Dubois has experienced setbacks in his career, including a controversial loss to Usyk in Poland in 2023 and a stoppage defeat to Joe Joyce in 2020 due to a fractured eye socket. However, his recent victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and a stunning win against Anthony Joshua at Wembley have shown his ability to rebound.

Conclusion

As the February 23 showdown approaches, the boxing world eagerly awaits the clash between Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois. For Parker, this fight represents an opportunity to reclaim his world champion status and solidify his remarkable comeback. For Dubois, it’s a chance to prove his raw power and resilience can overcome Parker’s superior skill and experience.

With Anthony Joshua’s backing and other insiders highlighting Parker’s recent form, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter. Whether Parker’s refined strategy and resilience will triumph or Dubois’ devastating power will prevail, this fight promises to leave an indelible mark on the heavyweight division.