Daniel Dubois Finally Reveals the Truth Behind His Joseph Parker Fight Pull-Out

The boxing world was left stunned when Daniel Dubois withdrew from his much-anticipated fight against Joseph Parker at the last moment. Fans were eager to see the IBF heavyweight champion defend his title, but instead, Parker went on to knock out Martin Bakole, securing a dominant victory that left many wondering—what really happened to Dubois?

For weeks, speculation ran wild. Some questioned if Dubois was truly injured, while others suspected behind-the-scenes drama. Now, the British powerhouse has finally broken his silence, revealing the illness that derailed his fight week and forced him to make one of the toughest decisions of his career.

Dubois Opens Up About His Sudden Illness

Speaking to BoxNation, Dubois detailed the ordeal that struck just days before the fight:

“Probably on Thursday or Friday, just a couple of days before the fight, my glands swelled up. I had a fever, and I felt completely drained and dizzy. But I still wanted to fight.”

Despite his warrior mentality, the situation spiraled out of his control. His team, recognizing the severity of his condition, brought in the British Boxing Board of Control doctor. After a thorough assessment, the doctor gave a clear warning—fighting in this condition was not an option.

The Painful Decision to Withdraw

For Dubois, the decision to pull out was devastating. He continued:

“My team, my dad, and everyone involved agreed to pull me out of the fight based on the doctor’s recommendation. I wanted to fight, though, so it left a bitter taste in my mouth.”

Dubois has built a reputation as a fighter who never backs down from a challenge. So, having to sit out and watch Parker dominate another opponent was a bitter pill to swallow. But as frustrating as it was, the reality is health comes first—especially in a sport as brutal as boxing.

Will Parker vs. Dubois Be Rescheduled?

Now that Dubois is back on his feet, the big question remains: will the Parker fight be rescheduled?

Dubois made it clear that he still wants the fight, stating:

“Hopefully, they can reschedule the Parker fight so I can finish what I started.”

But with Joseph Parker’s stock rising fast, things have gotten complicated. After his dominant knockout of Bakole, Parker is now being linked to some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division. The New Zealander is in the mix for potential clashes against top-tier opponents—including the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and even Oleksandr Usyk.

This means that Dubois might not be Parker’s priority anymore. The IBF champion may have to wait in line or find a different opponent to defend his title.

The Heavyweight Division is on Fire

With 2025 shaping up to be one of the most explosive years in boxing, the heavyweight division is stacked with massive fights. Here’s a look at what could be coming next:

• Anthony Joshua is on the comeback trail and hunting for another title shot.

• Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk is set to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion.

• Deontay Wilder is still lurking in the shadows, ready to unleash his one-punch knockout power.

• Joseph Parker, fresh off his victory, is in the mix for another high-profile bout.

• Daniel Dubois, despite his setback, remains a dangerous force in the division.

With so many moving parts, Dubois will need to make his next move carefully. A tune-up fight might be necessary before he gets a shot at Parker or another top-ranked opponent.

What’s Next for Dubois?

While Dubois is eager to get back in the ring, he knows that proving himself once again is the only way forward. A strong comeback performance will silence doubters and put him right back in the mix for major fights.

Possible opponents for Dubois include:

• Martin Bakole, the man Parker just knocked out. This could be a way for Dubois to make a statement.

• Filip Hrgovic, an undefeated heavyweight who is also chasing a world title shot.

• Zhilei Zhang, a powerful Chinese heavyweight who has made waves with his knockout power.

Each of these matchups presents a unique challenge, but if Dubois wants to regain momentum, he needs a big win—and fast.

Can Dubois Prove He’s Still a Future Champion?

The road ahead won’t be easy, but Dubois has already shown resilience in his career. He bounced back from his loss to Joe Joyce, proved himself against Jarrell Miller, and secured the IBF title.

This setback is just another hurdle. If Dubois can return stronger than ever, he’ll remind the boxing world why he was once considered the future of heavyweight boxing.

Will he get his redemption fight against Joseph Parker? Or will he be forced to take a different route to greatness? One thing’s for sure—Daniel Dubois is not done yet.

Dubois’ Road to Redemption: A Critical Moment in His Career

For Daniel Dubois, this isn’t just about rescheduling a fight—it’s about proving he belongs among the heavyweight elite. His withdrawal from the Parker fight has left a mark on his career, and now, every move he makes will be scrutinized.

Boxing is an unforgiving sport. One missed opportunity can set a fighter back months, even years. Dubois cannot afford to stay inactive for long, especially with the heavyweight division moving at full speed. If Parker chooses to pursue bigger fights, Dubois will need to force his way back into the conversation by taking on another top contender.

The Mental Battle: Overcoming Doubt and Critics

Beyond the physical challenge, Dubois now faces a mental war. Some critics have already started questioning his ability to handle adversity at the highest level. His loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 raised concerns about his durability, and now, pulling out of the Parker fight has given his doubters more fuel.

But Dubois has heard it all before. He silenced critics by bouncing back with brutal knockout wins and a title victory. This time, he must do it again—but with even more urgency.

Will 2025 Be the Year of Daniel Dubois?

The coming months will define Dubois’ legacy. Will he bounce back stronger and demand his shot at the best? Or will he fade into the background as the heavyweight division evolves without him?

One thing is certain: Dubois’ next fight is the most important of his career. He must win—and win convincingly—if he wants to reclaim his place among boxing’s biggest names.