Joseph Parker Shocking: ‘Meaningless’ – The Mystery Behind Daniel Dubois Pulling Out at the Last Minute Before the Fight with Usyk?

Joseph Parker is no stranger to the chaos of the heavyweight division, but even he couldn’t hide his suspicions when Daniel Dubois pulled out of their planned February showdown in Saudi Arabia. The New Zealand heavyweight was moments away from his long-awaited shot at becoming a two-time world champion, only to have it snatched from him days before the fight.

While Dubois cited a viral infection, Parker can’t help but wonder if the illness was just a convenient exit—especially considering that Oleksandr Usyk had spent the week publicly calling out Dubois for an undisputed heavyweight clash. And now, with Usyk vs Dubois officially scheduled for Wembley Stadium on July 19, Parker is letting his thoughts be known.

The Cancelled Fight: Parker Left in the Dark

In what was expected to be one of the most explosive matchups on the February Saudi Arabia card, Joseph Parker vs Daniel Dubois had fans and analysts buzzing. With Dubois holding the IBF heavyweight title and Parker riding a red-hot win streak after dispatching Deontay Wilder, the stage was set for a war.

But just days before the fight, Parker received news that would leave him stunned.

“I was left in the dark,” Parker told SunSport via Casino Hawks. “He wasn’t feeling the best and he pulled out of the fight. You’ve got to take his word for it. But it just doesn’t make sense.”

Usyk’s Influence: Coincidence or Strategy?

What makes the situation suspicious in Parker’s eyes is the timing. During the week leading up to the scheduled bout, Oleksandr Usyk—who had just defeated Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion—was vocally targeting Dubois.

Usyk wanted a quick return and eyed Dubois’ IBF belt to complete his defense of all four titles before potential sanctioning body obligations stripped them away.

Shortly after, Dubois withdraws, and within weeks, an undisputed fight with Usyk is announced.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Parker repeated. “Usyk was calling him out all week. Then he pulls out. And now they’ve made this big fight.”

It’s a narrative that many fans are starting to question. Did Dubois and his team see a bigger opportunity and opt out of Parker to fast-track into the global spotlight against Usyk?

Daniel Dubois’ Official Reason: Illness

According to Team Dubois, the reason for pulling out was a viral infection, confirmed by doctors. The 27-year-old Brit has insisted that his withdrawal was legitimate and not influenced by external opportunities.

“I wasn’t well. The doctors said I shouldn’t fight. That’s all there is to it,” Dubois said in March.

Promoter Frank Warren also defended his fighter’s decision, suggesting it was not a case of cherry-picking opponents but a health-driven call.

Still, the optics weren’t ideal. Especially for Joseph Parker, who had spent weeks training and preparing for the opportunity.

Joseph Parker’s Classy Yet Cautious Response

Despite his misgivings, Parker hasn’t gone into full attack mode. The 33-year-old Kiwi, known for his professionalism, has largely taken the high road—though the subtext of skepticism is clear.

“If a man says he’s sick, he’s sick. I’ve just got to take him for his word,” Parker said.

But deep down, it’s obvious that Parker believes something doesn’t add up. And that sense of doubt is now feeding his desire for redemption, whether it comes against Dubois or Usyk.

The Rise of Joseph Parker: A Career Reignited

After a rough patch that saw him suffer defeats to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, many thought Parker’s best days were behind him. But under new trainer Andy Lee and backed by Boxxer, Parker has rejuvenated his career.

Wins over Simon Kean, Faiga Opelu, and the stunning decision win over Deontay Wilder in December 2023 have catapulted Parker back into title contention. That victory alone may have been the most significant of his career—dominating one of boxing’s most feared punchers and putting himself firmly in the heavyweight elite once more.

“I’ve never felt better. I’m in the best shape of my life. And I’m ready to become world champion again,” Parker said.

Wembley Awaits: Usyk vs Dubois Set for July 19

With Daniel Dubois now officially challenging Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, the stakes are enormous. Usyk holds the WBA, WBO, WBC, and Ring Magazine titles, while Dubois still claims the IBF strap—despite the controversy surrounding its vacant status post-Fury.

The bout has all the makings of a classic: Usyk’s surgical skill vs Dubois’ raw power and youth. And somewhere in the shadows, Joseph Parker will be watching very closely.

Mandatory Status: Parker Next in Line

The most intriguing subplot? Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title—currently held by Usyk. Should Usyk beat Dubois and retain all belts, he may be required to face Parker next or vacate the WBO strap.

Parker is well aware of the position he’s in but isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“I know Frank Warren said a few things about me possibly being next. But I’ve learned not to count my chickens before they hatch.”

Still, the prospect of fighting either Dubois or Usyk in late 2025 looms large for Parker. It would be the culmination of his comeback and a shot at redemption, revenge, and resurgence.

Could Parker Still Face Dubois?

If Dubois loses to Usyk—or even if he wins and the IBF orders a mandatory—there’s still a real chance that Parker vs Dubois could be revisited. And for Parker, that would mean more than a belt. It would be unfinished business.

“I wanted that fight. I trained for it. I deserved it. Maybe we’ll see it down the line,” Parker said.

Should Dubois suffer another high-profile defeat, a Parker matchup would offer both men a path back to relevance—or in Parker’s case, solidify his standing.

The Bigger Picture: Heavyweight Division in Flux

The heavyweight division is currently in one of its most volatile—and exciting—eras. With Tyson Fury’s future uncertain, Anthony Joshua plotting another run, and emerging contenders like Jared Anderson and Arslanbek Makhmudov climbing the ranks, 2025 could see a massive shakeup.

And right in the center of it is Joseph Parker—a man once written off but now knocking on the door of greatness again.

Final Thoughts: Was Dubois Really Sick, or Strategically Silent?

While the boxing world gears up for the blockbuster Usyk vs Dubois unification at Wembley, the questions surrounding Dubois’ February withdrawal won’t go away.

Joseph Parker may have stayed respectful, but his skepticism is shared by many.

If Dubois wins in July, the New Zealander could finally get his shot in the fall. If Dubois loses, the WBO may call on Parker as the rightful next challenger. Either way, his story isn’t over.

“I’ll be ready, no matter who’s across from me,” Parker said. “This time, I’m not leaving without a title.”

And with that kind of mindset, don’t be surprised if Joseph Parker’s next chapter is written in gold.