Daniel Dubois’s miss against Joseph Parker turns out to be an opportunity for him to fight Oleksandr Usyk again

British heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois recently faced a significant setback when illness forced him to withdraw from a much-anticipated match against Joseph Parker. While the cancellation cost him nearly $10 million, it unexpectedly set the stage for an even bigger opportunity: a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Dubois’ withdrawal, the aftermath of the Parker fight, and what lies ahead in his potential showdown with Usyk.

Dubois’ Withdrawal from the Joseph Parker Fight

Dubois was set to face Joseph Parker on February 22, 2025, at The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight was a key event in the heavyweight division and had generated significant interest. However, just days before the match, Dubois was forced to pull out due to a viral infection that left him unfit to compete.

Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, confirmed the news, stating:

“Daniel put in a lot of hard work in training camp for this fight. Unfortunately, he has contracted a viral infection and is not in the condition to fight.”

This decision was not taken lightly, as withdrawing from the match resulted in a substantial financial loss, with Dubois missing out on a reported $10 million purse.

Additionally, Robert Smith, a representative from the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), supported the decision, saying:

“Dubois was not granted medical clearance to fight last weekend, but this will certainly allow him to prepare more effectively for a potential bout with Usyk.”

Joseph Parker’s Reaction

Parker, who had been preparing rigorously for Dubois, expressed disappointment but remained understanding of the situation. He commented:

“If you’re sick, you shouldn’t fight. That’s the right decision.”

Despite this, Parker also voiced skepticism about the withdrawal, suggesting that more details about Dubois’ condition should have been made available.

Martin Bakole Steps In

With Dubois unable to fight, the organizers had to scramble for a last-minute replacement. Martin Bakole, a rising heavyweight from Congo, stepped in to face Parker. Bakole, known for his power and resilience, eagerly accepted the opportunity and traveled from Congo to Saudi Arabia to participate.

Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole: Fight Recap

On February 22, 2025, Parker delivered a dominant performance against Bakole. In just two rounds, Parker secured a knockout victory, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier heavyweight contender.

Parker’s decisive win raised questions about his next potential opponent. While some speculated that he might seek another high-profile fight, Dubois’ withdrawal had already shifted the landscape of the division.

The Unexpected Outcome: Dubois vs. Usyk II

While missing the Parker fight was a setback, it unexpectedly positioned Dubois for an even bigger opportunity: a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

In 2023, Dubois and Usyk faced off in a controversial match. Dubois knocked Usyk down with a body shot that was deemed illegal by the referee. Many experts debated the ruling, arguing that the punch was on the beltline and should have been counted as a legal knockdown. Usyk, however, recovered and ultimately stopped Dubois in the ninth round.

Now, with Dubois still holding the IBF heavyweight title, he is the only viable challenger for Usyk in a potential undisputed title fight.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Response

Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, has made his stance clear regarding his next fight:

“I will have a rematch with Dubois, and it will only be Dubois.”

Currently, Usyk is enjoying time with his family following back-to-back victories over Tyson Fury. However, he has also confirmed that he plans to fight only two more times before retiring:

“I will fight two more times—exactly two—before retiring. I watched Parker vs. Bakole and expected Parker to win. But if Dubois is next, okay, let’s do it!”

Why Dubois is the Next Challenger for Usyk

Dubois holds the IBF heavyweight title, while Usyk controls the WBA, WBO, WBC, and The Ring belts. This makes Dubois the only eligible fighter to challenge Usyk for a fully unified championship.

A rematch between the two is expected to take place in the summer of 2025, likely in June or July. This bout could be one of the most significant in boxing history, as it would determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

Dubois’ Drive for Redemption

For Dubois, this rematch represents more than just another title fight—it’s a chance for redemption.

In their previous encounter, he had Usyk in trouble with the controversial body shot. Many in his camp believe that if the referee had counted it as a legal knockdown, the outcome of the fight could have been different.

Now, with a second opportunity, Dubois is determined to prove himself:

• He will enter the fight with a more refined game plan, learning from his previous mistakes.
• His size, power, and aggressive style remain his biggest weapons against Usyk’s technical skills and movement.
• The financial incentives are massive, with this fight potentially bringing in tens of millions of dollars in revenue.

Can Dubois Upset Usyk?

While Usyk is widely regarded as one of the most skilled boxers of his generation, Dubois has the physical attributes to pose a serious challenge.

Key Factors That Could Decide the Fight:

1. Dubois’ Power

Dubois is one of the hardest punchers in the division. If he can land clean shots early, he could test Usyk’s durability and potentially score a knockout.

2. Usyk’s Experience and Ring IQ

Usyk is a master technician. He neutralized Anthony Joshua, defeated Tyson Fury, and already outclassed Dubois once. His ability to adapt mid-fight gives him an edge.

3. Mental Strength

Dubois has shown resilience, but he will need to prove he can handle Usyk’s relentless pace and strategic approach. If he can stay composed and not get discouraged, he could turn the fight into a war of attrition.

The Future of the Heavyweight Division

Regardless of the outcome, this fight will have major implications for the division:

• If Dubois wins, he becomes the undisputed heavyweight champion, cementing his legacy.
• If Usyk wins, he moves one step closer to retirement, potentially leaving the division open for a new wave of challengers.

Final Thoughts

Daniel Dubois’ withdrawal from the Parker fight might have been a blessing in disguise. While it cost him financially, it opened the door to a much bigger opportunity—a chance to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

With Usyk confirming that Dubois is his next opponent, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting an official fight announcement. If Dubois can rise to the occasion, he could pull off one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history.

Will Dubois finally seize his moment, or will Usyk once again prove why he’s the best in the world? The summer of 2025 will give us the answer.