Joseph Parker has a vested interest in the outcome of the rematch between Oleksander Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
Parker was set to face Dubois for his IBF title back in February, but the champion fell ill late in the day and Parker instead knocked out last-minute stand-in Martin Bakole inside two rounds.
If there is a rival who has an argument of as good a run of wins, it is Dubois, having stopped Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller in his last three outings dating back to December 2023.
In August of that year, he faced Usyk for the first time and had him down with a shot that was ruled low before being stopped inside nine rounds. Usyk went on to become undisputed champion with wins over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Parker analysed the upcoming rematch, which is another undisputed contest, and talked up the improvements he has seen in Dubois.
“I feel like Dubois will be a different fighter from the first fight, but Usyk is a technician, and he knows how to break you down, I’ve studied a lot of his fights and he’s very good with his footwork, and hand movement, and feints, shots up and down. He’s a very smart and intelligent fighter.”
Despite that, he still can’t see past another win for Usyk.
“I think Dubois has the power and can catch him clean, but it’s easier said than done. Usyk is a great mover, and he knows how to avoid getting hit, and he also knows how to hit you hard back. So I’m leaning towards an Usyk win again.”
Whoever does come out on top will soon have to face up to their mandatories or face being stripped, with Parker and the WBO first in the rotation.
