Joseph Parker believes that he has a higher level than Daniel Dubois, so winning the heavyweight championship for the second time will be very easy

A seasoned fighter with unparalleled maturity, Joseph Parker believes he is in the perfect position to become a two-time heavyweight champion. On February 22, in Saudi Arabia, Parker will challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title, a highly anticipated showdown that promises intense action for boxing fans worldwide.

The Maturity of a Champion

Joseph Parker first rose to prominence in 2016, defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. to become the WBO heavyweight champion. At just 24 years old, Parker admits he was young and inexperienced, and although he cherished the title, he didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a world champion. Now, eight years later, he feels he has grown both as a boxer and as a person.

“This time is different. I’m far more mature. I value my position and have a much deeper understanding of what it takes to win and hold a world title,” Parker told reporters. He emphasized how the ups and downs of his career have shaped him into a better fighter, providing the mental resilience and physical preparation needed to defeat someone as dangerous as Dubois.

Parker’s training camp has been completely revamped since his first title reign. Now working with renowned trainer Andy Lee and strength and conditioning coach George Lockhart, Parker has fine-tuned his skills, improved his endurance, and increased his power. The 32-year-old boxer believes he is in the best physical and mental shape of his life, ready to reclaim his place among the heavyweight elite.

Dubois: A Tough Challenge

Despite his confidence, Parker knows he cannot underestimate Daniel Dubois. The British powerhouse cemented his reputation as a dangerous contender in September when he knocked down Anthony Joshua four times in a brutal five-round fight to claim the IBF title. With a 95% knockout ratio, Dubois has become one of the most feared fighters in the division.

“Daniel Dubois is a tough challenge,” Parker acknowledged. “He throws a lot of powerful punches and has a very high knockout percentage. I need to stay sharp, make smart decisions, and elevate my game to counter his power.”

What sets Parker apart, however, is his experience. Having fought top-tier opponents such as Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte, and Zhilei Zhang, Parker has faced some of the most dangerous fighters in the heavyweight division. He believes these battles have prepared him for the relentless style of Dubois and given him the confidence to handle any situation that arises in the ring.

Additionally, Parker’s improvements in his physical condition have been evident in his training. Under Lockhart’s guidance, Parker has increased his weight to 125 kg, gaining more strength without sacrificing his speed or stamina. He feels ready to face Dubois head-on and prove that he belongs at the top.

Motivation from Family and Legacy

For Parker, this fight is about more than just reclaiming a title. It’s about legacy and family. As a father of five, Parker is determined to provide for his loved ones and leave a lasting impact on the sport of boxing.
“I’m doing this for myself and my family—my wife and my kids. I want to be a two-time world champion, not just for personal achievement but to inspire others in New Zealand and Samoa.”

Parker’s motivation has shifted over the years. Early in his career, he fought for fame and recognition, but now he’s driven by a desire to secure his place in history and prove his resilience after setbacks. Following a knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, many critics suggested Parker should retire. Instead, he used the defeat as fuel to come back stronger and smarter.

“I’ve found the formula to win. February 22 will be the day I bring everything together and prove myself on the world stage once again,” Parker declared.

This fight is also an opportunity to cement New Zealand’s place in boxing history. If Parker can defeat Dubois, he will become the first New Zealander to win a heavyweight world title twice, a feat that his manager, David Higgins, believes would be the greatest achievement in the country’s sporting history.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Dubois, with his youth and knockout power, is a formidable opponent. But Parker’s maturity, experience, and determination could be the keys to victory. As the boxing world eagerly awaits this showdown, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia to see if Parker can once again reach the pinnacle of the sport.