Daniel Dubois shocked the boxing world when he pulled off a stunning upset victory over Anthony Joshua, cementing himself as a major player in the heavyweight division.
The win was meant to set up a fight with Joseph Parker, with the two heavyweights originally scheduled to face off in Saudi Arabia. However, Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness, leaving Parker to face Martin Bakole, who arrived weighing in at 315lbs in the early hours of fight day.
Parker, coming off impressive victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, had been expecting to face Dubois in what would have been his chance at a second world title.
With Dubois recovering and looking ahead, it now appears Parker has been left out of the picture entirely.
Frank Warren Reveals What’s Next for Daniel Dubois
Speaking on the future of Dubois, promoter Frank Warren made it clear that the next opponent won’t be Parker. Instead, he has set his sights on much bigger names.
“I think it’ll be Usyk in an all-belt affair for the four belts or maybe AJ,” Warren told BBC 5 Live.
This has left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, who believe Parker has now done more than enough to deserve a shot at the title. Parker’s trainer, Andy Lee, has said if they have to step aside for Dubois Usyk 2, they will.
The Heavyweight Landscape: Recent Form and Key Victories
The heavyweight division has been a hotbed of activity, with all involved fighters building impressive resumes leading up to these pivotal matchups. Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois, hailing from Greenwich, London, solidified his status as a top contender with a stunning fifth-round knockout victory over two-time former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This win saw Dubois claim the IBF heavyweight title, a significant upset that reshaped the division. Prior to this, Dubois had also secured a TKO victory over Filip Hrgovic in June 2024.
Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion from New Zealand, has also been on a remarkable run. In December 2023, Parker delivered a dominant performance against the formidable Deontay Wilder, securing a unanimous decision victory with scorecards of 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108. Parker continued his resurgence in March 2024, overcoming two knockdowns to defeat Zhilei Zhang by majority decision (113-113, 114-112, 115-111) and claim the WBO interim heavyweight title. These victories showcased Parker’s resilience and improved boxing skills, positioning him as a legitimate threat for a world title shot.
The highly anticipated clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Saudi Arabia, was unfortunately called off when Dubois withdrew due to illness. As a result, Parker faced Martin Bakole as a late replacement. Despite the short notice and Bakole weighing in at over 310 pounds, Parker delivered a powerful performance, stopping Bakole with a second-round technical knockout. This victory further cemented Parker’s standing in the heavyweight division, extending his winning streak at the time.
Unfinished Business with Usyk and Subsequent Showdowns
A rematch with Oleksandr Usyk held particular intrigue for fans, given their controversial first fight in August 2023. Dubois was stopped in the ninth round of their clash, but not before he landed a body shot that was ruled a low blow, sparking debate over whether it should have been a legal punch. The shot floored Usyk, and Dubois has since maintained that he should have been crowned world champion that night.
Indeed, the path Frank Warren outlined for Daniel Dubois ultimately materialized. Oleksandr Usyk, after becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury on May 18, 2024, and then winning their rematch in December 2024, vacated his IBF title in June 2024. This elevation made Dubois the full IBF champion, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with Usyk.
The undisputed heavyweight championship rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois took place on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London. In a decisive performance, Usyk once again proved his dominance, defeating Dubois via a fifth-round knockout to regain the undisputed title. This victory made Usyk a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, a feat not achieved since Muhammad Ali.
Following his loss to Usyk, Daniel Dubois made a strong return to the ring. On May 9, 2026, he faced Fabio Wardley for the WBO heavyweight title at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Dubois emerged victorious, securing a technical knockout in the 11th round and claiming the WBO belt. This win positioned Dubois as a major force once again, holding one of the key heavyweight titles.
Implications for the Heavyweight Division
The outcomes of these high-stakes encounters have significantly shaped the heavyweight landscape. Oleksandr Usyk remains an undefeated force, holding a perfect record of 24 wins with 15 knockouts, and has solidified his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. His ability to unify titles across multiple divisions underscores his exceptional skill and strategic prowess.
Daniel Dubois, despite the setback against Usyk, has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His knockout victory over Anthony Joshua and subsequent capture of the WBO title against Fabio Wardley show his continued growth and potential at the elite level. With a professional record of 23 wins (22 KOs) and 3 losses (3 KOs), Dubois remains a formidable presence in the division.
Joseph Parker, after his impressive run of victories over Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole, faced a tough challenge against Fabio Wardley in October 2025, where he suffered an 11th-round TKO loss. Parker’s current record stands at 36 wins (24 KOs) and 4 losses (2 KOs). While his path to an immediate world title shot has become more challenging, his recent performances against top-tier opponents ensure he remains a significant player in the heavyweight mix. The division continues to evolve, with each fight bringing new contenders and fresh narratives to the forefront of boxing.
If it’s not Usyk, a second fight with Joshua could be on the cards—though AJ will no doubt be looking for revenge. Either way, it seems Dubois is headed for another blockbuster showdown, leaving Parker out of the equation for now.
