Dubois mockingly warned Parker, “I will teach him some valuable lessons about strength and speed.”
The countdown to the highly anticipated February blockbuster fight officially began on Monday with a press conference that showcased the growing tension between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. While both fighters are known for their calm demeanor, the event revealed a simmering rivalry as Dubois boldly stated his intentions and ultimate goal of facing Oleksandr Usyk in a future bout.
Dubois’s Confidence and Plans for the Future
Daniel Dubois, the young and ambitious IBF heavyweight champion, did not hold back when discussing his strategy for the upcoming fight. “It’s all about making noise,” Dubois declared. “This is the entertainment business. That’s the guy I want next. But first, I have to beat this guy (Parker). I’ll knock him down, and then I want Usyk next. I’m in good form, so bring him on.”
Dubois has made no secret of his ultimate ambition: a rematch with Usyk, who has solidified his place as a heavyweight legend. However, Joseph Parker warned that looking too far ahead could be a critical error, reminding Dubois that the upcoming fight demands his full attention.
Parker’s Warning to Dubois
Speaking at the press conference, Parker was quick to caution his younger opponent. “You’re looking too far ahead,” Parker said. “You’ve got big plans for future fights, but you’ve got one right in front of you right now. Don’t overlook what’s directly in your path.”
Despite the warning, Dubois brushed off the concern, expressing confidence in his abilities. “I’ve got my eye on Parker, and he won’t pose much of a threat,” Dubois responded. “I’m just on a roll right now. I’ll be too strong, too fast. Everything he does, I’ll do better.”
Dubois’s Bold Predictions
Dubois exuded confidence, emphasizing his dominance in the ring. “I’m confident. I don’t need to say too much. I don’t talk a lot. Let the fans watch—it will be a great fight,” he said. Parker, however, was quick to counter with his own perspective, asserting that he still had much to prove and was far from finished.
“I’ve been boxing for a while now,” Parker remarked, “but I feel like I’m just getting started.”
Dubois’s response was sharp and direct: “Good. If you’re just getting started, I’ll teach you a few things. Some lessons, some new skills.” His words reflected the intense rivalry brewing between the two heavyweights.
Parker’s Retort and Final Warning
Despite Dubois’s bold predictions, Parker offered a measured response, reminding his opponent that overconfidence could be his undoing. “I like that he’s full of confidence,” Parker said. “He’s at his peak right now. But all of that will stop on February 22.”
The mutual respect between the two fighters has not diminished the competitive edge that defines their rivalry. Dubois acknowledged that Parker’s calm exterior hides an intense will to win. “He’s always like that, acting like the nice guy, but I know once the bell rings, we’ll be trying to take each other’s heads off,” Dubois said.
A Fight That Could Shape Heavyweight Boxing
The clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker is more than just a contest for supremacy—it’s a defining moment for both fighters. For Dubois, a victory could cement his status as a rising star and bring him closer to a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. For Parker, the fight is an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top contender and prove he remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
