Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are lined up for a superb heavyweight clash in February next year.
Dubois and Parker are two of the most in-form men in the division right now. After a tough loss to Joe Joyce, Parker has turned things around magnificently, securing wins against Deontay Wilder via points last December then Zhilei Zhang earlier this year, also on points despite being knocked down twice himself.
Dubois has stopped a trio of top opponents, starting with huge American Jarrell Miller last December whom he beat in the final few seconds of the 10th round. He then stopped Fillip Hrgovic in the summer due to cuts.
Most recently in September, ‘DDD’ beat former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua more conclusively than any man has before him to defend his new IBF Heavyweight Title. Next up is Parker.
Scotland’s Nick Campbell has spared both men, as he told iFL TV.
“I think in terms of rounds done, I’ve been in camp with Joe for five of his last fights. And I’ve obviously been in camp with Dubois before Hrgovic and Joshua. There’s probably not many people that are better qualified to pass comment on them.”
He was then asked about the fight itself and said it was too close to call.
“You need to be honest about it. Joe’s a really good friend but if I want to be impartial and be honest, it’s a 50-50 fight. If you look at both guys at the moment, Dubois has been unbelievable in his last three fights, big wins, you look at Joe, Wilder and Zhang, two imposing wins.
They’re polar opposites in their personality, the way they go about things, the journey so far. It’s 50-50 in all departments, two polarising characters, I think their styles will gel really well. Daniel is the come-forward aggressive power puncher but can you stop him doing it? With Joe a bit more of a box of tricks, a bit more adaptable, he can change his game plan to suit the fight better. I think it’s a great match-up, great clash of styles and the fans are winning.”
Asked for a final prediction, Campbell sided with Parker.
“What I’ve seen from Daniel is he’s performing at his highest level. Having said that I still don’t think we’ve seen Joe at his absolute brilliant best. I still think he’s more adaptable. He’s got a bit of an edge in boxing IQ so I’m leaning towards Joe.”
