After being scheduled to face former WBO heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdrew from the bout due to illness during fight week.
The fight was set to be the co-main event on the blockbuster ‘The Last Crescendo’ card in Riyadh on February 22. However, Dubois was unable to compete, leading Joseph Parker to instead take on late replacement Martin Bakole.
Regardless of the change in opponent, Joseph Parker still took care of business in an emphatic fashion. Parker stopped Bakole in the second round to extend the New Zealander’s win streak to six.
Daniel Dubois did not duck Joseph Parker says Don Charles-
In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, Daniel Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles dismissed the idea that Dubois pulled out of the fight to go straight into a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title.
“People were jumping to conclusions saying he pulled out at that fight to fight Usyk. No, he was ill.” Charles said.
“As I sit here, we still don’t know who we’re fighting next. So get off my guy’s back for a start.
“I do understand their frustration but I’ve never known a fighter to be persecuted so much like Daniel Dubois has since this happened. I’ve never known anything like it. So many fighters have pulled out through illness and through injuries. I’ve never known anything like it where people are saying he ducked Parker.
“It was a voluntary defence. We chose to fight Parker. We were given other names but we chose to fight Parker because we were convinced that stylistically Daniel would absolutely demolish him.” Charles said.
What’s Next for Dubois?
Whilst Dubois does not currently have a contract signed for his next fight, the IBF heavyweight champion certainly has options.
Charles did not rule out a future clash with Joseph Parker down the line.
“Time sorts everything, and in the future. I know we’re going to keep winning any fight that’s put in front of us and I hope he keeps winning because they’re in the heavyweight division and inevitably they’re going to meet.”
Alternatively, Dubois could find himself in a high-profile rematch with Olexansdr Usyk with undisputed status on the line. The Ukrainian is also without an opponent having not fought since his second victory over Tyson Fury in December.
Another option for Dubois would be a domestic clash against Dereck Chisora.
Following his win over Otto Wallin, the 41-year-old has reportedly become mandatory for the IBF title in what could be Chisora’s 50th and final fight.
An all-British clash against Daniel Dubois could be a fairytale ending to Chisora’s career. It could also be a good return fight for Dubois after his illness before any potential unification fight against Usyk.
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