Daniel Dubois Makes Shocking Statement: Joseph Parker Considered an Easy Opponent, Not Comparable to Anthony Joshua?

Daniel Dubois has never shied away from expressing confidence in his own abilities, but his latest comments about fellow heavyweight Joseph Parker have raised eyebrows across the boxing world. In a recent interview, Dubois suggested that Parker—once a WBO world champion—is not in the same league as the likes of Anthony Joshua. He even went as far as to call Parker an “easy opponent,” a claim that has stirred controversy among fans, analysts, and fighters alike. The bold statement is not just a personal opinion—it reflects a mindset that reveals where Dubois sees himself within the modern heavyweight hierarchy.

This article explores the implications of Dubois’ comments, how the boxing community has responded, and what this means for future matchups in the heavyweight division.

Daniel Dubois and His Rise in the Heavyweight Division

Daniel Dubois burst onto the scene with a reputation as a devastating knockout artist. With his youthful energy, power-punching style, and stoic demeanor, Dubois was quickly seen as one of Britain’s most promising heavyweight prospects. He racked up knockout after knockout, building a strong resume and earning comparisons to former British champions like Lennox Lewis and Anthony Joshua.

However, his meteoric rise hit a speed bump in 2020 when he suffered a stoppage loss to Joe Joyce. The defeat raised questions about Dubois’ mental toughness and ability to compete against top-tier opposition. But Dubois responded by going back to the drawing board, returning stronger and more composed. He eventually captured the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title and positioned himself for even bigger fights—most notably, a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023.

Although Dubois lost to Usyk via ninth-round stoppage, the fight was highly controversial due to a fifth-round body shot that many believe should have resulted in a knockout win for Dubois. That moment changed public perception of him. No longer seen as just a raw puncher, he emerged as a dangerous contender with the tools to challenge the very best.

Joseph Parker: A Respected Veteran with a Unique Resume

On the other side of the debate is Joseph Parker, a seasoned heavyweight who has faced some of the biggest names in the sport. The New Zealand-born fighter rose to prominence by winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016 and successfully defending it before losing a unification bout to Anthony Joshua in 2018. Unlike many opponents, Parker took Joshua the distance and showed defensive skills and durability.

Since then, Parker has maintained a reputation as one of the division’s toughest outs. He’s battled Dillian Whyte, Dereck Chisora, and most recently scored a major win over Deontay Wilder, stunning the boxing world with his control and discipline over the feared American puncher.

Despite this résumé, Dubois appears unfazed.

Bold Statement: “Parker Isn’t on AJ’s Level”

In an interview that quickly went viral across combat sports media, Daniel Dubois said of Joseph Parker:

“He’s a good fighter, but let’s be real—he’s not on the same level as Joshua or even Joyce. I don’t think he’s as dangerous as people make him out to be. I would handle him. He’s more of an easy opponent compared to AJ.”

This statement has sparked a range of reactions. Some fans believe Dubois is simply hyping himself up and building interest for a potential showdown. Others argue that he’s being disrespectful to a former world champion with a deeper résumé and more proven track record.

Still, there’s no denying that Dubois’ words have put him in the spotlight once again, and it may be a strategic move to force his way into a fight with Parker—or into more lucrative bouts in general.

Reactions from the Boxing World

The response from boxing insiders has been swift. Carl Froch, former super middleweight champion turned commentator, questioned Dubois’ timing and tone:

“Joseph Parker just dominated Deontay Wilder. You don’t call a guy like that an ‘easy fight’ unless you’re trying to get attention or you’re overestimating yourself.”

Meanwhile, Johnny Nelson, another respected British voice in the sport, offered a more diplomatic perspective:

“Dubois is young and still learning. He believes in himself, which is good. But calling Parker an easy opponent might come back to haunt him.”

Interestingly, Parker himself has yet to directly respond to Dubois’ comments, though sources close to his camp have indicated that he is open to a fight with Dubois “if the money is right.”

What Would a Parker vs. Dubois Fight Look Like?

If this war of words leads to an actual matchup, fans would be treated to an intriguing clash of styles. Joseph Parker brings speed, experience, and a well-rounded boxing IQ. He’s shown the ability to go the distance against the likes of Joshua, and he outclassed Wilder with ring generalship and sharp counterpunching.

Daniel Dubois, meanwhile, is younger, stronger, and more explosive. He’s not likely to win a technical chess match, but if he can land his power shots—particularly to the body—he could hurt Parker. The big question would be whether Dubois can maintain a smart pace over 12 rounds without gassing or being outmaneuvered.

Given the drama surrounding both fighters, the narrative writes itself. Parker, the battle-tested veteran looking for another title shot. Dubois, the brash up-and-comer hungry to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the heavyweight division.

Comparing Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker

To fairly assess Dubois’ statement, it’s worth comparing Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in terms of style, accomplishments, and legacy.

Anthony Joshua is a two-time unified world champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a global superstar. His knockout wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Kubrat Pulev have cemented his status as an elite heavyweight. Joshua has also faced adversity, losing to Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk, but has always come back with a renewed mindset and technical improvements.

Joseph Parker, while successful in his own right, doesn’t have the same level of acclaim. His best wins include victories over Andy Ruiz Jr., Dereck Chisora, and Deontay Wilder. However, his style has been criticized for being too cautious at times. Despite this, Parker has never been stopped and is considered one of the division’s most durable fighters.

So when Dubois claims that Parker isn’t on the same level as Joshua, there is some truth in terms of accolades. But calling him an “easy fight” is another story—especially given Parker’s recent win over Wilder, a man few would consider easy.

Dubois’ Path Forward: Is Parker the Right Fight?

There’s no denying that Daniel Dubois needs a defining win to solidify his standing in the heavyweight rankings. His loss to Usyk was respectable, but not victorious. A fight with Joseph Parker would offer the perfect platform for redemption and credibility.

It would also test whether Dubois has matured as a fighter. Can he outbox someone with superior footwork? Can he adjust mid-fight? Can he handle an opponent who won’t fold after a few heavy shots?

From a promotional perspective, this fight makes sense. Dubois has a loyal UK fanbase. Parker is now a global name with a growing following. If promoted right, it could headline a pay-per-view card in the UK or even the Middle East.

If Dubois truly believes Parker is an easy opponent, then he should welcome the fight. But if Parker gets in the ring and dominates—as he did against Wilder—Dubois could be facing another setback in his already up-and-down career.

Conclusion: Confidence or Underestimation?

Daniel Dubois’ statement about Joseph Parker being an “easy opponent” and “not comparable to Anthony Joshua” is a bold claim that has sparked widespread conversation. Whether it was said to stir up controversy, secure a future fight, or express genuine belief, one thing is clear: Dubois has put himself in the spotlight, and now he must back it up.

The boxing world thrives on rivalries and bold narratives. Dubois vs. Parker has the potential to become the next must-see heavyweight showdown—if both sides agree to step into the ring. Until then, Dubois’ comments will linger in the air, challenging Parker’s pride and setting the stage for a clash that could redefine both their careers.

In the end, only the ring can settle whether Dubois is prophetic—or painfully mistaken.