The fight with his next opponent still eludes Oleksandr Usyk’s grasp because the bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker faces further delays. There were significant changes in the fight calendar, which had previously been set for both of these fighters, which threw the heavyweight division into disarray. Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker were set to clash on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2025 before these changes.
With UFC President, Dana White, announcing a new Boxing promotion along with Turki Alalshikh and TKO, the match might feature on their first boxing show. Saudi Arabia has already host the heavyweights in a boxing clash before and they are most likely to feature in the new promotion.
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Details on the Upcoming Fight
Daniel Dubois was to face Joseph Parker on the date of February 22, 2025, but had to pull out because of illness. As a result, Joseph Parker ended up fighting Martin Bakole in the place of Dubois. Oleksandr Usyk had mentioned before that he might fight the IBF Heavyweight Champion next if he defends his title against his next contender.
The original schedule was for the winner of Dubois vs. Parker to gain a shot at Oleksandr Usyk in a unification fight after the year. However, with the fight not happening as per the schedule, it’s now uncertain if or when this matchup will take place.
View the link below for video highlights and facts of the fight.
Fight in detail
The fight with fighters Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker was first scheduled to take place on February 22, 2025, at a boxing event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event is about to gain the most global attention to the heavyweight division. The IBF Heavyweight Champion and Joseph Parker’s fight was especially significant as it was expected to determine the next challenge for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight titles.
Both fighters had been preparing excessively for several months, with training focused on boosting their techniques. Daniel Dubois was looking to prove himself this time, too, after previous impacting fights, and Joseph Parker was aiming to strengthen his place in their division. Their matchup made considerable thrilled all fans as well as analysts, as both fighters were well noted for the both fighters power and ability to deliver the best performances in the ring.
The decision taken by Riyadh as the venue gave light to Saudi Arabia’s growing role in organising important sports events, more importantly in boxing. With a large number of audience expected, the fight was becoming one of the year’s most awaited clashes. However, the situation changed suddenly, before the match, when Daniel Dubois had to withdraw, changing the total match of the fight card.
As Daniel Dubois is unable to face Joseph Parker, his chances of securing a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk remain uncertain. And Daniel Dubois’s promoter says that he might fight with Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony. It’s also uncertain whether Joseph Parker will get another chance at Daniel Dubois or to give on to a different opponent. This sudden change has left the heavyweight division with uncertain futures for either fighter.
Conclusion
Dubois was unable to face Joseph Parker. Instead of declining the match altogether, Joseph Parker was given a new opponent, Martin Bakole, so the event could go on. This change altered the course of Parker’s career in the heavyweight division and left Daniel Dubois sidelined, unsure of when he’ll get his next opportunity. All of the fans are eagerly waiting for this expected match to be scheduled as Oleksandr Usyk waits to face the winner.
Aditya Khare