“I’m very excited to be fighting for the championship of the world for the second time,” said New Zealand’s Joseph Parker ahead of his February 22 fight challenge of IBF heavyweight ruler Daniel Dubois. “Two-time world champion sounds beautiful.”
At today’s London press conference, two of the most in-form heavyweights in the division went head-to-head. Dubois is riding high following wins over Filip Hrgovic and Parker comes in off wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
After Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia last month, Dubois rushed the ring to call out the Ukrainian master, who had beaten him a year earlier.
“It’s all about making noise. This is show business. That’s who I want next, but first I’ve got to get through this guy,” said the Londoner.
Asked whether he was looking beyond Parker, Dubois replied: “No way, I’m going to do a demolition job on him first, then I want Usyk next. I’m ready for it, I’m on a roll, so bring them on.”
In reply, Parker warned: “You might be looking too far ahead, planning other big fights when you’ve got a fight in front of you right now.”
“I’ve got my mind firmly set on you,” said Dubois.
“It better be,” said Parker.
“I feel I’m too much for him, too strong, too fast, everything he does I’m gonna do better and I’m confident,” said the champion. “Ain’t gotta say too much. I don’t do too much talking.”
The two continued going back and forth.
Parker said: “I’ve been boxing for a while and I feel like I’ve only just begun now. You’re in for a treat.”
Dubois countered: “I’ll teach you a few things in there. Some new skills.”
But Parker said he will bring Dubois back down to earth on February 22 in Saudi Arabia on the huge bill, topped by the light heavyweight unification rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
“I like it that he’s full of confidence,” said Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion. “It’s sky high at the moment, but it’s going to stop on the 22nd of February.”
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