Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – Who wins IBF World heavyweight title showdown?
IBF World heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21KO) puts his belt on the line against Joseph Parker (35-3, 23KO) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Both likeable boxers have been on fine form, with Parker currently on a five-fight win streak with scalps over Zhang and Wilder, and Dubois winning the IBF title after stopping Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller, all within 10 months of each other.
Now the heavyweights are set to lock horns in early 2025 to kick off the New Year boxing schedule in style.
BBN asked their trusted panel of experts who they believe wins and why:
Derek Chisora: “I think Dubois wins cause I don’t think Joseph Parker’s got a strong enough chin. Daniel hits hard. Daniel hits hard. I see that fight, Daniel within five rounds. Five rounds, Daniel wins it.”
Tim Rickson (BBN Editor): “Both are great guys, I would be happy to see either man win. As a Brit, I will be supporting Dubois, but Parker is well-liked, so I would equally be pleased for him to win.
“They’ve each been on an incredible run. Parker’s scalps over Wilder and Zhang are as impressive as it gets, but then Dubois has KO’d Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, all within 10 months.
“For me, the power, strength and aggression of Dubois will be the deciding factor in this fight. Parker is skilled and mobile, but I don’t think he could go the full distance without being dropped by the Brit with a 95% KO ratio. Dubois is very good at closing off the space to land his thudding attacks, plus his confidence is sky-high right now, as well.
“Dubois to win by stoppage from round five onwards.”
Carl Froch: “Dubois is naturally bigger than Parker and punches harder than him, but Parker is on a couple of decent wins. He beat Zhang and beat Deontay Wilder, they’re good wins and he’s in good form. He’s really getting a second wind in his career.
“If Dubois can beat Joseph Parker after the wipeout job against AJ, he really has established himself as a bona fide world champion, and it’s a fight that will be good.
“You never know, Parker has bags of experience and is boxing and moving well. He’s super fit for 12 rounds and he can punch a bit as well. He’s tough, so that’s a tough fight for both guys but a really intriguing one.
“Parker has the experience and has been in with some of the best fighters out there, he’s got a good resume but he’s not won them all. AJ beat him early in his career. He’s getting a second wind and seems to be performing. The Wilder and Zhang fights I was very impressed with him, but I know Wilder is past his best.”
Arijan Goricki (Featherweight Contender): “My prediction is that will be close fight. At the end I see Dubois as a winner, he is more fresher and more hungrier fighter.”
Ben Thomas (BBN Writer): “It’s possible to say both Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are two of the most in-form current heavyweights as we head into 2025.
“Dubois answered any remaining critics with the win against Anthony Joshua but Parker could prove a whole different test to overcome.
“I think Parker will look to outbox Dubois and use the ring to stay out his powerful hooks similar to his game plan for both Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
“It’s a hard fight to call but at this moment I’d go Parker by a tight decision.”
Marshall Kaufman (Kings Boxing): “This is a great heavyweight matchup between two guys that have been on a good run by beating some of the very best in the division.
“I like what both guys bring to the table – Dubois with power and strength, and Parker with experience.
“I think that Parker will have to weather the storm and the aggressive style of Dubois, but I think he will get it done with a solid boxing foundation and Parker will pull off the win over 12 rounds or maybe even a late round stoppage.
“Winner – Parker.”