Joseph Parker believes he can make Daniel Dubois quit when they fight for the IBF heavyweight world title later this month.
On February 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office, Parker takes on Greenwich’s Dubois as the New Zealander bids to become a two-time world champion.
Dubois, however, proved how formidable he could be when he knocked out Anthony Joshua in sensational style at Wembley Stadium last September.
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But previously in his career doubts have been raised about Dubois’ fortitude in the aftermath of his defeats to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.
He was counted out against both Joyce and Usyk, but some observers questioned whether he could have continued.
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Even though it emerged that his eye socket had fractured in the Joyce fight, and Usyk of course would go on to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion, those doubts subsequently hounded Dubois until he went on a run of good wins that culminated in his victory over Joshua.
But Parker is convinced he can discourage and overwhelm the Briton.
“It depends. If it gets too hard, he will look for a way out,” Parker told Sky Sports.
“But if it’s going his way, he’ll keep going. It’s my job to go out there and offset what he’s going to bring and follow my game plan.”
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The Daniel Dubois of today is looking a more and more complete heavyweight. He wants revenge and a rematch with Usyk, the unified WBC, WBA and WBO world champion.
Dubois even gatecrashed Usyk’s victory celebrations immediately after the Ukrainian’s repeat win over Tyson Fury in December to call for a second fight of his own.
Parker, however, warned against overlooking him.
“Listen, it can be a mistake. In boxing they always try and set up big fights in the future. If he is trying to set that up, he has to get past me first,” he said.
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The New Zealander would not be drawn on any future plans of his own. “For now I just want to focus on Daniel Dubois. I don’t want to look too far ahead. I want to prepare for him and take him seriously,” Parker said.
“Once that fight’s done and I win, I can look at other fights.”
He is adamant that he will be victorious.
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“Even if times get hard I’ve always had self-belief. It’s because of the hard work that I’ve done and the standards my parents instilled in me at a young age,” he said.
“I’ve always believed that no matter what, no matter what anyone says, no matter what anyone does, I believe wholeheartedly that I back myself and believe in myself always.”
Watch the Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker IBF heavyweight world title fight on February 22 live on Sky Sports Box Office.
