Matchmaker extraordinaire Eddie Hearn has cast doubts on Daniel Dubois’ chances in his IBF heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. Dubois is banking on a victory that would set up a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk later in 2025 for the undisputed crown. However, Hearn believes Parker is no stepping stone.
Parker’s stock has soared after his impressive wins over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder. Now 33 years old, he’s looking energized and hungry for another title shot. Hearn says that while Dubois has plenty of self-belief, he needs to watch out for Parker’s ring smarts.
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“Don’t count your chickens,” Hearn told DAZN. “Joseph Parker is in the shape of his life, and I don’t think Daniel Dubois will necessarily beat him.” Considering that Parker outboxed dangerous punchers like Wilder and Zhang, it’s fair to say Dubois needs a rock-solid game plan.
The Brit hopes to avenge his August 2023 stoppage loss to Usyk, which ended with a ninth-round knockout in Poland. If Dubois does get past Parker, he’ll undoubtedly target Usyk’s body - recalling the controversial “low blow” that many fans felt was legal.
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