DANIEL Dubois exchanged a few choice words at yesterdayโs press conference after opponent Joseph Parker accused the Londoner of overlooking him. While an IBF heavyweight title clash between two in-form boxers would ideally headline a show of its own, they will feature on the undercard of โThe Last Crescendoโ topped by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
While the light-heavyweight main eventers are known for doing their talking in the ring, this pair of heavies tried to stoke up a bit of fire as Parker addressed Duboisโ rushing of the ring to confront old foe Oleksandr Usyk shortly after the Ukrainian defeated Tyson Fury for the second time. That will provide plenty of motivation to claim a world title strap for the second time.
โTwo-time world champion sounds beautiful,โ hummed Parker.
As expected, the verbal exchanges were more lukewarm linguistics than intensely heated beef. Both men offered a few interesting lines, mainly around Danielโs Usyk call out, even though the Parker February 22 business is still unresolved.
โAsk him what was going through his head when he was doing that,โ said Parker, before turning the mic on Dubois to explain his actions.
โIt’s all about making noise,โ replied Dubois, who later admitted he doesnโt do much talking. โThis is show business, so that’s [Usyk] who I want next. First, I’ve got to get through this guy. I’m going to do a demolition job on him, and then I want Usyk next. I’m ready for it, and I’m on a roll. So bring him on.โ
Like many observers, Dubois feels the career momentum that comes with a fifth-round smashing of UK rival Anthony Joshua in September will carry him through.
โI feel like I’ll be just too much for him; too strong, too fast. Everything he does, I’m going to do better. I’m confident, man. I ain’t got to say too much. Let the fans tune in. It’s going to be a great fight.โ
While Dubois isn’t the most garrulous speaker, his patter has improved. When Parker suggested that despite his experience, he feels like he is still learning in the game, Dubois offered to teach him a few fistic lessons.
โDDDโ also claimed that he doesnโt buy the nice guy act portrayed by the New Zealander, who is expected to be relieved of his WBO Interim title as that sanctioning body will not recognise unifications for their secondary bauble.
Back to matters of the ring and Parker offered a back-to-reality moment for the IBF champion: โI like it that he’s full of confidence. He’s sky high at the moment. But it’s all going to stop on the 22nd of February.โ