“It will Be A Harder Fight” As Daniel Dubois Set for Summer Return With One Man Targeted
Daniel Dubois is likely to make his ring return this summer after withdrawing late in the day from his last fight.
That was supposed to be a voluntary defence of his IBF world title against tough challenger Joseph Parker in February
However, Dubois came down with a virus in the final hours before the fight so was pulled from the card. Martin Bakole stepped up and was stopped inside two by the in-form Parker.
Daniel Dubois became IBF champion after beating Filip Hrgovic in June last year, then backed it up with an imposing knockout win over former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in September.
Right now he has several options including honouring the fight with Parker, a second bout with Joshua, or a rematch with Usyk who beat him in August 2023 after a controversial body shot that had Usyk down was ruled low.
Usyk recovered, rallied and went on to stop Dubois. This time, a fight with the unified Ukrainian champion would be for undisputed honours.
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Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, promoter Frank Warren gave an update on the health of Dubois.
“He’s recovering and he’s eager to get back in the ring again, having basically worked very hard and spent a fortune on a training camp for a fight that didn’t happen. He’ll probably be back in summer.”
He was then asked whether that return will be against Parker or Usyk.
“Well, what’s a harder fight, Joe Parker or Usyk? What’s the bigger fight? It’s a no brainer. I don’t get where anybody’s brains can be on this.
“He ain’t ducking anyone. The objective of the fight that didn’t happen was that the winner would face Usyk. So if the Usyk fight can be made, it will be made. We’re talking.”
With the extra confidence and momentum Dubois has built up since his first fight with Usyk, and Usyk being two years older, the rematch could be a different proposition entirely.
